The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), through Operation Whirlwind, has handed over a truck loaded with 60,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Birnin Kebbi, reaffirming its commitment to inter-agency collaboration and accountability in the management of petroleum products.
The formal handover was conducted by the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Kola Oladeji, National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, who was ably represented by the Customs Area Controller, Kebbi Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim. The truck, with registration number NSR 26 ZL, was received on behalf of the NMDPRA by Mr. Adamu Jamilu, Deputy Manager, representing the State Coordinator for Sokoto and Kebbi States.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Kebbi Area Command Headquarters in Birnin Kebbi, was witnessed by Deputy Comptroller of Customs Ntongha Okoi Edet, Commander Zone B, Operation Whirlwind, along with senior management officials from both agencies.
In his remarks, Matawalle emphasised that the exercise reflects the strategic directive of the National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind, to enhance inter-agency synergy, uphold transparency, and ensure due process in the handling, investigation, and eventual disposal of seized petroleum products.
He disclosed that the intercepted truck was suspected of product diversion and detained at the Kebbi Area Command for investigation. Subsequent findings revealed that the consignment was originally intended for delivery in Borno State.
Receiving the consignment, Jamilu commended the NCS for its proactive enforcement and consistency in tackling the diversion of petroleum products. He noted that this handover follows a previous transfer of two trucks containing approximately 105,000 litres of PMS to the NMDPRA in Sokoto on October 17, 2025, lauding the sustained partnership between both agencies as a model of effective inter-agency cooperation.
The event concluded with the physical handover of the vehicle and accompanying documentation at the Command Headquarters, Birnin Kebbi.