Customs Seizes 120,000 Litres of Diverted Petrol in Sokoto

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted two trucks carrying a total of 120,000 litres of petrol. Officials suspect the product was illegally diverted from its approved destination.

Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind for Zone B, Kola Olawole, revealed the seizure during a press briefing in Sokoto on Friday. He stated that the trucks, each loaded with 60,000 litres of petrol, were intercepted on the Sokoto–Illela road on October 4. The official documentation showed the product was meant for delivery in Kano, but it was instead being transported towards Sokoto State.

Details of the Interception

Olawole explained that the drivers of the trucks, with registration numbers DKA 309 XA and GSW 321 XA, abandoned their vehicles and fled. The operatives attempted to arrest them, but the drivers escaped. A subsequent investigation pointed to a clear case of fuel diversion.

“Our investigation indicates that the petrol was being diverted for smuggling through the Illela border,” Olawole stated. He confirmed that the offences involved irregular routing and documentation anomalies, which are clear violations of existing laws. He strongly condemned the act, describing fuel diversion as a threat to national development and energy security.

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Combating Fuel Diversion and Smuggling

The coordinator emphasized that Operation Whirlwind has been crucial in stabilising the national petrol supply. The operation focuses on curbing smuggling and other illicit activities that disrupt the market. This latest seizure is a significant step in that ongoing effort.

Following the interception, the NCS officially handed over the two seized tankers to the Sokoto/Kebbi Coordinator of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Mr. Ali Ajimi. This successful operation highlights the continued vigilance of the Nigeria Customs Service against economic sabotage.