Operation Whirlwind Hands Over Truck Laden with 60,000 Ltres of PMS to NMDPRA
Bisi Akingbade
The Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Kola Oladeji, National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ably represented by the Customs Area Controller, Kebbi Command, Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim fdc, handed over a truck with registration number NSR26ZL, laden with 60,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The NMDPRA was represented by Deputy Manager, Mr. Adamu Jamilu, who received the consignment on behalf of the State Coordinator, Sokoto & Kebbi States, at the Command Headquarters, Birnin Kebbi.
The event, held on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, was graced by the Commander Zone B, Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs Ntongha Okoi Edet, alongside senior management staff from both agencies.
In his remarks, Comptroller Matawalle stated that the exercise aligns with the vision and directive of the National Coordinator to strengthen inter-agency collaboration, promote transparency and accountability, and ensure proper handling, investigation, and disposal of petroleum products seized or intercepted under suspicious circumstances.
He further disclosed that the truck in question was suspected of diversion and was detained at the Kebbi Area Command pending investigation. Findings later revealed that the product was originally designated for delivery in Borno State.
In his response, Mr. Adamu Jamilu of NMDPRA acknowledged receipt of the consignment and commended the Nigeria Customs Service for its sustained efforts under Operation Whirlwind. He also noted the earlier receipt of two trucks containing about 105,000 litres of PMS handed over to the NMDPRA in Sokoto on 17th October 2025, describing the collaboration as a commendable example of inter-agency synergy.
The session concluded with the physical handover of the vehicle and documentation at the Command’s premises in Birnin Kebbi.
