NIGERIA CUSTOMS BOOSTS AIR SURVEILLANCE WITH ACQUISITION OF A CESSNA GRAND CARAVAN
The Nigeria Customs Service has just taken a huge leap forward in strengthening its air surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of a brand-new Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B aircraft. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, personally inspected the aircraft in Bartlesville, Washington, USA marking a pivotal moment for the NCS airwing operations.
The Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B, registered as 5N-BAA, is powered by the reliable PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine. This aircraft is renowned globally for its rugged versatility, short-field take-off and landing capabilities, and ability to operate on remote airstrips. With its advanced features, the Cessna Grand Caravan will enable the Nigeria Customs Service to enhance its air surveillance efforts, detect smuggling routes, and provide swift support for ground operations.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, emphasized the significance of this acquisition, stating that the aircraft will be a “game-changer” for the Nigeria Customs Services’ Airwing. He highlighted its impressive features, including the ability to carry 10 officers and its six-hour aerial endurance, which will substantially enhance the Service’s capacity for air surveillance and border patrol.
This powerhouse of a plane is designed to excel in challenging environments, boasting impressive features such as short-field take-off and landing capabilities, and the ability to operate on remote airstrips. CGC Adeniyi, highlighted the aircraft’s significance, stating that it will enhance air border patrol capabilities, intercept illegal activities, and provide swift extraction support when needed, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Additionally, the aircraft will serve as a strategic asset for Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, offering logistical support and revenue generation for the Service. CGC Adeniyi underscored the cost-efficiency of the Cessna Grand Caravan, noting that its operational costs are relatively low compared to other aircraft in its class. “This is a long-term investment for the Service that not only enhances our operational efficiency but also contributes to the sustainability of our air surveillance programs,” he added.
Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, the Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, lauded the acquisition as a milestone for the NCS aviation unit. “With this aircraft, the Nigeria Customs Service is poised to revitalize its air border patrol activities, securing our borders more effectively and improving revenue generation for both the Service and the nation,” Capt. Mbaya remarked.
The acquisition of the Cessna Grand Caravan is expected to provide significant tactical advantages to the Nigeria Customs Service, tightening border security, and sending a clear signal to economic saboteurs that the Service is better equipped than ever to combat smuggling activities.
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