The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), under the special enforcement initiative, Operation Whirlwind, has intercepted two trucks carrying a total of 120,000 litres petrol suspected to have been diverted from their documented destination.

According to the coordinator of Operation Whirlwind for Zone B, Kola Olawole, the trucks – each loaded with 60,000 litres of petrol – were intercepted along the Sokoto-Illela road on October 4. The fuel was originally documented for delivery in Kano but was diverted en route Sokoto State.

Speaking to journalists in Sokoto on Friday, Olawole revealed that the drivers of the trucks, bearing registration numbers DKA 309 XA and GSW 321 XA, fled the scene when operatives attempted to apprehend them.

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“Our investigation indicates that petrol was being diverted for smuggling through the Illela border. The offences involve irregular routing and documentation anomalies, which are clear violations of existing laws,” Olawole said.

He stressed that fuel diversion was more than an economic crime as it undermines national development, energy security and the general welfare of citizens.

Olawole further noted that Operation Whirlwind had significantly contributed to stabilising petrol supply across the country by curbing smuggling and related illicit activities

The seized tankers were handed over to Mr Ali Ajimi, the Sokoto/Kebbi coordinator for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).