The Ministry of Defence formally handed over three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker Helicopters to the Nigerian Navy on Wednesday, in a brief ceremony held at Caverton Helicopters Limited (CHL) hangar in Ikeja, Lagos. The handover, aimed at strengthening naval operations, was confirmed in a statement by Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, Director of Naval Information.
The AW 109 helicopters feature a specialized VIP configuration with a full leather interior and noise attenuation system. Designed with landing skids for improved load capacity over wheeled helicopters, they also include auxiliary fuel tanks, extending flight endurance up to 3 hours and 40 minutes, enabling long-range missions and the potential for retrofitting with specific mission equipment.
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, led senior naval officers in receiving the helicopters. Also present were key officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Director of Navy Affairs, Dr. Raji Isiaka Ogunshola, Caverton Group President, Chief Remi Makanjuola, and Managing Director, Group Captain Bello (retired).
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his dedicated support to the Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Navy, and thanked the Ministers of Defence for their role in acquiring the helicopters. He highlighted the operational boost these aircraft will provide, supporting missions such as aerial reconnaissance, search and rescue, air insertion, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).
