The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has acquired a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B aircraft to enhance its air patrol and surveillance capabilities.
The Auditor-General of the NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, announced the development in a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, in Abuja on Sunday.
Describing the acquisition as a “game changer”, Adeniyi stressed that the aircraft will significantly improve the company’s ability to combat smuggling and strengthen border security.
Registered as 5N-BAA, this newly acquired aircraft is equipped with the latest Garmin G 1000 avionics cockpit system, allowing it to operate effectively in a variety of conditions including day, night and low visibility. Mr. Adeniyi in a statement stressed that the aircraft’s capacity to transport up to 10 officers and flight duration of six hours will significantly improve the surveillance operations of the NCS.
“This aircraft will be a game changer for the NCS Air Wing,” Adeniyi said. “The ability to transport 10 officers, coupled with six hours of airborne endurance, will significantly enhance our aerial surveillance and border security capabilities.”
The statement further outlined that the aircraft is expected to play a key role in detecting smuggling routes, dispatching armed personnel and providing rapid support to ground operations.
This capability is particularly important in Nigeria’s vast and difficult border areas. In this region, quick response time can be the difference between stopping illegal activity and missing out on important opportunities.
The Cessna Grand Caravan provides an airborne advantage, allowing NCS to investigate difficult terrain and monitor suspicious activity that is difficult to track from the ground.
The statement emphasized that the Cessna EX-208B, powered by the reliable PT6 Pratt & Whitney engine, is built to withstand the rigors of border patrol operations. Its powerful engine allows operations on remote airstrips and access to dangerous areas. Mr. Adeniyi highlighted the aircraft’s rugged versatility, noting that its design supports short takeoffs and landings, making it ideal for rapid deployment in a variety of terrains, from jungles to open savannas. did. This capability is expected to significantly improve the NCS’s ability to conduct unannounced inspections and quickly respond to emerging threats. The statement further said that the aircraft is a strategic asset for the Nigeria Customs Technology and Hangar Services Ltd, providing not only logistical support but also revenue generation opportunities. Dual Role in Monitoring and SurveillanceTransport allows it to serve multiple functions in line with the service’s broader operational goals.The statement further noted that the aircraft’s cost-effectiveness makes it a sustainable option for long-term aerial surveillance, as it has relatively low operating and maintenance costs compared to similar aircraft.
This allows the service to take full advantage of the aircraft’s capabilities without straining the budget, ensuring consistent operations over long periods of time.
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