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NCS and DRDB Join Forces to Enhance Maritime Security with Homebuilt Airboat
By prince Benson Davies
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Defence Research and Development Bureau (DRDB) have taken a significant step in strengthening maritime security and enhancing anti-smuggling operations. On September 3, 2025, both agencies jointly tested a locally built airboat at Jabi Lake, Abuja. The airboat, designed to navigate shallow and hard-to-reach waterways, showcases Nigeria’s efforts to boost its security capabilities. This development comes as the NCS continues to explore innovative solutions to combat smuggling activities, following the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B aircraft to enhance air patrol and surveillance efforts.
Speaking during the exercise, Comptroller Haniel Haddison, who oversees Special Duties at NCS Headquarters, hailed the innovation as a milestone in indigenous technology, emphasising its role in advancing anti-smuggling efforts and capacity building.
“This is a welcome idea for the Nigeria Customs Service and we commend the efforts of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, to ensure that we add value in our equipment”.
He continues, ” This is a very good collaboration and that is what the Comptroller-General of Customs stands for – Synergy and Collaboration with sister agencies, particularly as it relates to capacity building. This will add value to the competency and capability of the Nigeria Customs Service”.
Director of Maritime, Research and Development at the DRDB, Rear Admiral Suleiman El-Ladan highlighted the significance of inter-agency collaboration in strengthening maritime security. He noted that partnerships such as this were crucial to addressing evolving threats.
The exercise ended on a symbolic note, as the Director General of the Defence Research and Development Bureau presented souvenirs to the two senior Customs officers in recognition of their participation and commitment.
