The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its air surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B aircraft. The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, inspected the newly acquired aircraft on September 20, 2024, in Bartlesville, Washington, USA, marking a significant advancement in the NCS airwing operations.
Registered as 5N-BAA, the Cessna Grand Caravan, powered by the PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, is known for its versatility, short take-off and landing abilities, and suitability for remote airstrips. CGC Adeniyi emphasized the importance of the acquisition, stating that the aircraft is equipped with the modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system, enabling operations in both day and night under various visibility conditions.
“This aircraft will be a game-changer for the Nigeria Customs Service’s Airwing,” said CGC Adeniyi, noting its six-hour aerial endurance and capacity to carry 10 officers. The aircraft will play a pivotal role in air patrols, detecting smuggling routes, deploying personnel, and supporting ground operations.
The move aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, aimed at bolstering border security. The aircraft will also serve as a strategic asset for Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, providing logistical support and enhancing revenue generation. The NCS lauded the aircraft’s cost efficiency, projecting long-term sustainability for air surveillance programs.
Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, praised the acquisition as a milestone for NCS aviation, underscoring its potential to secure borders and combat smuggling more effectively.