Nigeria Customs Acquires Cessna Grand Caravan to Bolster Air Surveillance Efforts

…As CGC Adeniyi Revitalizes Airwing Operations

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. The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, inspected the newly acquired aircraft on Friday, 20 September 2024, at Cessna Textron Factory, Independence, USA, marking a pivotal moment for the NCS airwing operations.

The aircraft, registered as 5N-BAA is set to enhance the Services’ air patrol and surveillance efforts. Powered by the reliable PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, 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 it 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.