Customs Seizes 60,000 Litres of Petrol in Katsina
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a tanker carrying 60,000 litres of petrol suspected to have been diverted for illegal sale across the border in Katsina State.
The tanker was stopped on September 30 along Jibia Road by NCS’s special task force, Operation Whirlwind. The operation targeted illicit movements of petroleum products and aimed to enforce compliance with national energy regulations.
Kola Oladeji, National Coordinator of the task force, revealed the seizure while formally handing over the tanker to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Katsina. Assistant Comptroller Sa’ad Isah-Yahaya represented Oladeji during the handover.
Oladeji explained that the tanker’s documentation was found to be fraudulent, suggesting it was intended for smuggling across the border. He noted that the interception was part of a broader effort by the NCS to combat economic sabotage and ensure that petroleum products allocated for domestic consumption remain in the country.
“This operation sends a clear message that fuel diversion and smuggling will not be tolerated,” Oladeji said, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s energy sector.
Receiving the tanker, Mohammed Omar, NMDPRA Coordinator in Katsina, praised the Customs Service for its vigilance and cooperation. He emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in maintaining accountability and proper monitoring in the downstream petroleum sector.
