Battle Against Smuggling Activities, Nigeria Customs Acquires Surveillance Aircraft

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

In its determined efforts to combat smuggling activities, particularly, at Nigeria’s borders, the Nigeria Customs Service on Sunday, October 6, 2024, announced the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan Jet .

The Service said the aircraft will aid its surveillance and operational activities with a view to enhancing efficiency.

A statement issued by the NCS National spokesperson, Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada , qouted the Comptroller General, CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as  describing the acquisition as a game changer for the air component of the Service.

The CGC stated that the aircraft is fitted with modern Garmin G1000 Avionics cockpit system, which will facilitate operations under day, night and low visibility conditions.

“This aircraft will be a game changer for the Nigeria Customs Service Air wing. Its ability to carry 10 officers, coupled with its six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our capacity for air surveillance and border patrol.

“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” the CGC noted .

The CGC expressed the hope that the new aircraft will provide  significant tactical advantages to the NCS ,tightening border security and ,sending a clear signal to economic saboteurs that the Service is all out to fight smuggling activities.

According to Adeniyi ,the aircraft will, in addition, serve as a strategic asset for Nigeria Customs Technical and Hanger Service LTD,  offering logistical support and revenue generation services.

The CGC emphasized the cost effectiveness of the new aircraft, noting that its operational costs are relatively low in comparison to others in the same 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 programmes” CGC Adeniyi stated.

The statement further noted that the aircraft, registered as 5N-BAA is set to enhance the Service’s air patrol and surveillance efforts, as it globally reputed for its rugged versatility, short-field take off and landing capabilities .

Captain Kuhi Mbaya, the Aircraft Operations Coordinator, also commended the acquisition, describing it as a milestone for the NCS .

He expressed the optimism, that the aircraft will serve to bolster NCS air border  patrol activities, thereby effectively securing the country’s borders ,as well as improve revenue generation.