The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken a significant step towards strengthening its air surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B. This move is part of Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Bashir Adewale Adeniyi’s efforts to revitalize the NCS airwing operations.
The aircraft, registered as 5N-BAA, is powered by the reliable PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine and features the modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system.
This enables operations under day, night, and low-visibility conditions, making it ideal for border security operations in Nigeria.
“This aircraft will be a game-changer for the Nigeria Customs Services’ Airwing.
Its ability to carry 10 officers, coupled with its six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our capacity for air surveillance and border patrol,” CGC Adeniyi stated.
The Cessna Grand Caravan will play a crucial role in air patrols aimed at detecting smuggling routes, deploying armed personnel, and providing swift support for ground operations.
“With this aircraft, we will strengthen our air border patrol capabilities, which will not only help us intercept illegal activities but also provide quick extraction support when necessary,” CGC Adeniyi explained, aligning the move with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, praised 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.