The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its air surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B, marking a significant development in its fight against smuggling.
The aircraft, inspected by Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi at the Cessna Textron Factory in Independence, USA, on September 20, 2024, is designed to enhance air patrol and border security efforts across Nigeria.
The Cessna Grand Caravan, registered as 5N-BAA, features the modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system and is powered by a PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, known for its reliability and ruggedness. With the ability to operate on remote airstrips and in low-visibility conditions, the aircraft is well-suited for border security operations. It can carry up to 10 officers and has a six-hour aerial endurance, allowing for extended surveillance missions.
“This aircraft is a game-changer for the Nigeria Customs Service’s Airwing,” said CGC Adeniyi. “It will significantly boost our air surveillance and border patrol capabilities, helping us detect smuggling routes and provide rapid response support for ground operations.”
The Cessna Grand Caravan will also be utilized by Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd for logistical support and revenue generation, contributing to the sustainability of NCS air operations. CGC Adeniyi emphasized the cost-efficiency of the new aircraft, highlighting its long-term value to the Service.
Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director, Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, praised the acquisition as a milestone, stating that it would revitalize NCS air border patrol activities and enhance national security.
This move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and is expected to provide tactical advantages in combating smuggling, reinforcing the NCS’s commitment to border protection.
