The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Katsina Area Command, has handed over a detained oil tanker loaded with 60,000 litres of petrol to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The handover took place on Saturday at Lolo Dakare Garage in Katsina.

The Customs Area Controller, Saidu Musa, conducted the transfer in collaboration with NCS Operation Whirlwind.

Speaking during the event, Musa reaffirmed the service’s commitment to combating petroleum smuggling and other cross-border economic crimes.

He said the interception reflected the vigilance, professionalism and dedication of officers of the command in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests and ensuring compliance with laws regulating the movement of petroleum products.

“The Nigeria Customs Service remains resolute in working closely with relevant government agencies to curb economic sabotage and protect critical national resources,” he said.

The controller warned smugglers and their collaborators to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to intercept offenders and ensure they face the full weight of the law.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Aliyu Abubakar, commended the Area Command for its professionalism and commitment to the operation’s objectives.

Abubakar explained that Operation Whirlwind was established to strengthen enforcement against the illegal diversion and smuggling of petroleum products, which he described as serious threats to the nation’s economy and energy security.

He assured Nigerians that the operation would intensify surveillance and enforcement in border communities and other vulnerable areas nationwide.

In his remarks, the Katsina State Coordinator of NMDPRA, Umar Mohammed, appreciated the Nigeria Customs Service for the successful interception and handover.

Mohammed described the action as a clear demonstration of the inter-agency collaboration required for effective regulation of the petroleum sector.

He assured that the authority would conduct a thorough investigation and carry out all necessary procedures in line with its statutory mandate.

According to him, NMDPRA remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability and compliance within the downstream petroleum industry regulations. (NAN)