The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has made a strategic advancement in its air surveillance capabilities by acquiring a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B.
The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, inspected the new aircraft on Friday, September 20, 2024, in Bartlesville, Washington, USA, marking a significant milestone for the NCS’s air operations.
Registered as 5N-BAA, the aircraft is equipped to boost the NCS’s air patrol and surveillance efforts. Powered by the robust PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, the Cessna Grand Caravan is known for its rugged versatility, short-field takeoff and landing capabilities, and its ability to operate on remote airstrips—ideal for Nigeria’s border security operations.
During the inspection, Adeniyi highlighted the importance of this acquisition, noting that the aircraft is fitted with the state-of-the-art Garmin G1000 Avionics system, allowing for safe operations in day, night, and low-visibility conditions.
“This aircraft will be a game-changer for the Nigeria Customs Service Airwing. Its capacity to carry 10 officers, coupled with a six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our ability to conduct air surveillance and border patrols,” he stated.
The Cessna Grand Caravan will play a vital role in detecting smuggling routes, deploying armed personnel, and providing rapid support for ground operations.
“With this aircraft, we will strengthen our border patrol capabilities, allowing us to intercept illegal activities more effectively and provide quick extraction support when necessary,” Adeniyi explained, aligning the acquisition with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
The aircraft is also expected to serve as a strategic asset for Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, offering logistical support and creating revenue generation opportunities for the Service.
Adeniyi emphasised the cost-efficiency of the Cessna Grand Caravan, noting that its operational costs are relatively low compared to other aircraft in its category.
“This is a long-term investment for the Service that not only improves our operational efficiency but also enhances the sustainability of our air surveillance programs,” he added.
Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, praised the acquisition as a landmark for the NCS aviation unit.
“With this aircraft, the Nigeria Customs Service is poised to revitalise its air border patrol activities, securing our borders more effectively and improving revenue generation for both the Service and the nation,” he remarked.
The acquisition of the Cessna Grand Caravan is set to provide tactical advantages to the Nigeria Customs Service, bolstering border security and sending a strong message to economic saboteurs that the NCS is now better equipped than ever to combat smuggling activities.
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