The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted two trucks carrying 120,000 litres of petrol suspected to have been diverted from their intended destination. The interception was carried out by Operation Whirlwind, Zone B, led by Coordinator Kola Olawole, who confirmed the incident while briefing journalists in Sokoto on Friday.

According to Olawole, the trucks—each containing 60,000 litres of petrol—were stopped along the Sokoto–Illela road on October 4. Investigations revealed that the fuel, which was documented for delivery in Kano, was instead being diverted toward Sokoto State, raising suspicion of smuggling.

The drivers of the two vehicles, with registration numbers DKA 309 XA and GSW 321 XA, reportedly abandoned the trucks and escaped when Customs operatives moved in to arrest them. Olawole explained that the diversion violated established regulations on fuel transportation, citing “irregular routing and documentation anomalies.”

He emphasized that fuel diversion and smuggling undermine Nigeria’s energy security and hinder national development, adding that Operation Whirlwind has been instrumental in curbing such illegal activities and ensuring stable fuel supply nationwide.

The seized tankers and their contents have since been handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) Coordinator for Sokoto/Kebbi, Mr. Ali Ajimi, for further investigation and action.