Kebbi Customs Intercept Truck with N60m Worth of Petrol

By Umar  Faruk

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

October 29, 2025(Series News Online)

The Nigeria Customs Service's Operation Whirlwind unit has successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of petrol out of the country, intercepting a truck loaded with 60,000 litres of the petroleum product in Kebbi State. The vehicle, bearing registration number NSR26ZL, was seized at the state's border area after being suspected of diverting its original cargo to illicit markets.

Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, representing the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Dr. Kola Oladeji, revealed that the truck had been bound for Borno State but was rerouted to Kebbi for smuggling purposes. "Our investigation confirmed that the product was initially destined for Borno State, but its itinerary was altered to facilitate smuggling out of the country," he explained.

During the handover ceremony, Comptroller Ibrahim formally transferred the seized truck to Mr. Ali Ajimi, Deputy Manager of the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). "The truck in question was detained at the Customs Area Command in Kebbi due to suspicions of diversion," he stated.

The Comptroller emphasized that this operation underscores the National Coordinator's commitment to enhancing inter-agency cooperation and transparency in managing seized petroleum products. "This action is part of our ongoing efforts to thwart smuggling and economic sabotage," he added.

The seized truck and its cargo will undergo further investigation and potential prosecution. The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the nation's economy by combating smuggling and related activities.