Nigeria Customs Acquires Cessna Caravan Aircraft To Bolster Air Patrol, Check Anti-smuggling Activities

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) acquires Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B to enhance its air patrol and surveillance efforts.

Registered with 5N-BAA, the aircraft is known for its short-field take-off and landing capabilities and ability to operate on remote airstrips.

It is fitted with modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system, enabling operations under day, night and low-visibility conditions.

The aircraft will also offer logistical support and revenue generation for the Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd.

In a bid to enhance its air patrol and surveillance efforts, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), headed by Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has acquired of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B aircraft.

Registered with 5N-BAA, the newly acquired aircraft was inspected by the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on Friday, 20 September 2024, at Cessna Textron Factory, Independence, USA.

The Cessna Grand Caravan is globally recognised for its rugged versatility, short-field take-off and landing capabilities and ability to operate on remote airstrips —making the single turboprop aircraft ideally suited for border security operations in Nigeria.

CGC Adeniyi emphasized the importance of this acquisition, noting that the aircraft is fitted with the modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system, enabling operations under day, night, and low-visibility conditions.

“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.

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.

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.

Speaking on the acquisition, Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, the Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, said :

“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.

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