Customs Seize N60m Petrol Truck Diverted from Borno to Kebbi

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have intercepted a petrol tanker carrying 60,000 litres of fuel, allegedly diverted from its intended destination in Borno State to Kebbi State for illegal export.

The tanker, with registration number NSR26ZL, was seized by officers of Operation Whirlwind at a border checkpoint in Kebbi, the Customs authorities said on Tuesday.

Comptroller Mahmoud Matawalle Ibrahim, speaking on behalf of the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, ACG Dr. Kola Oladeji, explained that investigations confirmed the fuel was supposed to be delivered to Borno but was unlawfully redirected to Kebbi.

“The truck we are handing over today was suspected of diversion and was detained here at the Customs Area Command, Kebbi,” Ibrahim said.

The consignment, valued at over N60 million, has been handed over to the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for further action. Mr. Ali Ajimi, Deputy Manager for Kebbi and Sokoto, received the petrol on behalf of the authority.

Authorities warned that fuel diversion and illegal export could attract severe penalties under Nigerian law, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and maintain fuel supply integrity.