We’ve received three helicopters procured by defence ministry for operations, says Navy

• Adams-Aliu said the AW 109 Helicopters have all purpose-built VIP configuration, with full leather and noise attenuation system.
• According to him, the helicopters are designed with landing skid, giving them better loading capacity compared to wheeled helicopters.

The Nigerian Navy has announced that it has taken delivery of three new Agusta Westland 109 Trekker Helicopters from the Ministry of Defence.

Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, the director of naval information, mentioned in a statement that the helicopters were officially delivered on Tuesday at the Caverton Helicopters Limited (CHL) facility in Ikeja, Lagos.

Adams-Aliu indicated that the AW 109 Helicopters come with a VIP configuration, which features complete leather interiors and an advanced noise reduction system.

He further mentioned that the helicopters include landing skids, enhancing their loading capacity in comparison to the conventional wheeled models available.

“Additionally, the helicopters are designed with auxiliary tanks to ensure extended endurance of up to 3hrs40mins,” Adams-Aliu said.

“Thus, the helicopter could be used for long range transport flights. The helicopters could also be retrofitted with purpose-built mission equipment.”

Emmanuel Ogalla, the chief of naval staff, expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu “for his unflinching support” to both the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Navy.

Ogalla also extended his thanks to Mohammed Badaru, the minister of defence, and Bello Matawalle, the minister of state for defence, for their help in securing these helicopters.