The Ministry of Defence has officially handed over three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker Helicopters to the Nigerian Navy.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, it was announced that the brief handover ceremony took place at the Caverton Helicopters Limited (CHL) hangar facilities in Ikeja, Lagos.
According to the statement, the AW 109 Helicopter is equipped with a purpose-built VIP configuration, featuring a full leather interior and a noise attenuation system.
“Furthermore, the helicopter is designed with a landing skid which gives it a better loading capacity compared to wheeled helicopters.
“Additionally, the helicopters are designed with auxiliary tanks which give them extended endurance of up to 3hrs40mins,”
“Thus, the helicopter could be used for long-range transport flights. The helicopters could also be retrofitted with purpose-built mission equipment.”
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla accompanied by other senior officers were present to receive the newly acquired helicopters.
Also present at the hand-over ceremony were the Permanent Secretary MOD, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Director Navy Affairs MOD, Dr Raji Isiaka Ogunshola, the President Caverton Group, Chief Remi Makanjuola and the Managing Director Caverton, Group Captain Bello (rtd).
The CNS thanked the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his unflinching support to the Armed Forces in general and the Nigerian Navy in particular.
He also expressed gratitude to both the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence for their efforts in facilitating the acquisition of the helicopters, which will enhance the Nigerian Navy’s operations, including Air Recce, Search and Rescue, Air Insertion, and MEDEVAC.