Air Surveillance: NCS Acquires Cessna Grand Caravan

...As CGC Adeniyi Revitalizes Airwing Operations

In a significant step towards strengthening its air surveillance capabilities, the the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has acquired a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B to bolster air surveillance operation.

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.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR who inspected the newly acquired aircraft on Friday, 20 September 2024, in Bartlesville, Washington, USA, 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.

The CGC stated that the 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.

"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", Adeniyi explained.

He added that, "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. 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".

Capt. Kuhi Mbaya, the Aircraft Operations Coordinator and Managing Director of Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, lauded 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.

The acquisition of the Cessna Grand Caravan is expected to provide significant tactical advantages to the Nigeria Customs Service, tightening border security, and sending a clear signal to economic saboteurs that the Service is better equipped than ever to combat smuggling activities.

Comments

Eze Uchendu Applauds Compt. Olomu's Outstanding Performance In Apapa

...Berates APMT For Lack of Capacity & Technicality ...Calls FG to Set Up Committee To Access APMT Operations In Nigeria The remarkable performance of the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Customs command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu fsi has been commended by a renowned freight forwarder, the Chairman of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarder( NAGAFF), Apapa Chapter, Fowdr. Prince Eze Uchendu. Accessing the Apapa Command under the control of Compt. Olomu, the chairman applauded the resilience and doggedness of the area controller in all areas of operation, in his words, "I think for now we have a good controller, the person of controller, Babatunde Olomu, since his inception as the CAC Apapa, I can say Apapa Command has never had it so good, so I can score the Nigeria customs high In all fields of endeavour, the controller has been a moving controller, he's not a controller that stays in office. He comes to the terminals ...

KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN (KSJI) TAKES A SWIPE AT BAD LEADERSHIPS IN NIGERIA

Maj. Gen. (Prof) Remy Uche, KSJI Supreme Subordinate President, Nigeria. As Christians all over the world marked the feast of the Passion of St. John the Baptist on August 29 commemoration of his beheading by King Herod for speaking up to the truth, the Knights of St. John International (KSJI) of the Roman Catholic Church has taken a swipe against which it described as obnoxious and draconian leaderships in many spheres of life in Nigeria. The Knights of St. John International (KSJI), a sodality organisation of men and women looked up to in the Roman Catholic Church as people of integrity, is not happy with the current situation in the country where leaders in some places are not serving expectedly. According to a press statement made by the KSJI leader in Nigeria (Supreme Subordinate President), Maj Gen. Remy Uche (Prof), and signed on his behalf, by his Chief of Staff, Sir Abuchi Anueyiagu, to mark the feast of the Passion of St. John the Baptist, the patron saint...

Amaechi Calls on Nigerians To Boycot Elections Over Economic Hardship

A Former Minister of Transportation, Rt Honourable Rotimi Amaechi, who can be said to have been so quite since he lost the APC Presidential primaries in 2023 has expressed his sadness and displeasure with Nigerians for accepting the current economic hardship in the country. The former minister had, in a recent interview shared on X handle said he expected Nigerians to be angry over the situation of the country as orchestrated by the president Tinubu administration. The one time Rivers state governor said he had expected Nigerians to boycott elections in protest against politicians while lamenting over the present cost pf diesel and other essentials in the country. In his words, “I’m angry with the citizens. I’ve said it several times. “You can’t see a group of people stealing your money impoverishing you, you can’t buy fuel, you can’t buy anything; “Look at what happened in Edo. Should any politician be campaigning in Edo? People should be angry. “There should be protest against p...

Maritimegistplus

Search This Blog