Operation Whirlwind has handed over five intercepted tanker trucks conveying suspected diverted Automotive Gas Oil, popularly known as diesel, to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority for further investigation and necessary regulatory action.

The handover ceremony took place on Friday, October 23, 2026, following the interception of the trucks by operatives of Operation Whirlwind, an anti-smuggling initiative of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The five tanker trucks, with registration numbers BBR 634 XA, BRK 828 MF, YLA 243 XU, KTN 278 XZ and MUS 134 BX, were intercepted over suspected irregularities involving the movement of petroleum products.

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Speaking at the ceremony, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind said the operation was carried out on the directive of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

He explained that the interception was based on credible intelligence received by the operatives, who stopped the trucks at about 11 p.m. on July 6, 2026.

According to him, the vehicles were subsequently deposited at Tasha Joli, opposite the 33 Military Barracks in Maiduguri, Borno State, while preliminary checks were conducted on the consignments.

The coordinator said the initial checks raised concerns about possible irregularities and infractions relating to the suspected diversion and transloading of the Automotive Gas Oil being conveyed by the trucks.

He stated that the handover to the NMDPRA was intended to enable the regulatory authority to conduct further investigations and take appropriate administrative action in accordance with its mandate.

The coordinator described the interception as evidence of the importance of inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement in tackling the illegal movement, diversion and smuggling of petroleum products.

He warned individuals, syndicates and criminal networks involved in petroleum-related offences that Operation Whirlwind would continue to intensify its activities against illegal diversion and other economic crimes.

“The tide is turning against petroleum smuggling, illegal diversion, and all associated economic crimes,” he said, reiterating the determination of the operation to tackle activities capable of undermining the nation’s petroleum supply chain.

He added that Operation Whirlwind would sustain intelligence-led operations to identify and track suspected illegal activities, intercept illicit consignments and dismantle smuggling networks operating within its areas of responsibility.

The coordinator, however, assured that the operation’s activities would be conducted professionally, in strict compliance with the law and in accordance with established procedures.

He commended the Comptroller-General of Customs and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for their continued support, while also appreciating the leadership and personnel of the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NMDPRA and Operation Whirlwind for their commitment to duty.

He said the Federal Government remained committed to protecting Nigeria’s petroleum resources and ensuring that the country’s strategic economic assets were utilised for the benefit of its citizens.

The coordinator assured the public that Operation Whirlwind would strengthen surveillance, improve intelligence gathering and deepen collaboration with relevant agencies to prevent petroleum diversion, protect the integrity of the supply chain and deny criminal networks opportunities to engage in economic sabotage.