Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Ministry of Defence has officially handed over three newly acquired Agusta Westland 109 Trekker Helicopters to the Nigerian Navy, in a strategic move aimed at strengthening Nigeria's naval aviation capabilities.
The brief but significant handover ceremony took place at the Caverton Helicopters Limited (CHL) hangar facilities in Ikeja, Lagos, according to a statement released by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu.
The AW 109 Trekker helicopters, equipped with VIP configuration, feature full leather seating and a noise attenuation system, designed to provide an advanced level of comfort. Designed specifically for versatile operations, these helicopters are built with landing skids for improved load capacity compared to their wheeled counterparts, allowing for more extensive, high-capacity missions.
Each helicopter is also fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks that enable extended flight endurance of up to 3 hours and 40 minutes, allowing for longer-range operations. According to Commodore Adams-Aliu, the helicopters can be retrofitted with specialized mission equipment, making them suitable for a range of naval operations such as reconnaissance, search and rescue, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), and air insertion.
The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, along with other senior naval officers, was present to officially receive the helicopters on behalf of the Nigerian Navy.
Also in attendance at the handover ceremony were key officials from the Ministry of Defence, including Permanent Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana and Director of Navy Affairs Dr. Raji Isiaka Ogunshola. From Caverton Helicopters, the company’s President, Chief Remi Makanjuola, and Managing Director, retired Group Captain Bello, were also present to witness the handover.
Vice Admiral Ogalla expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support for the Armed Forces, with specific acknowledgment of the president’s commitment to advancing the capabilities of the Nigerian Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff also thanked the Defence Minister and the Minister of State for Defence for their efforts in securing the acquisition of the helicopters, which will significantly enhance the Navy's operational reach and effectiveness.
“The acquisition of these helicopters is a testament to the government’s dedication to enhancing the Navy's ability to safeguard our maritime domain,” stated Vice Admiral Ogalla, adding that the advanced features of the AW 109 helicopters will bolster Nigeria’s naval capacity in crucial missions, contributing to the security of the nation’s waters and enhancing military readiness across various regions.
The addition of these helicopters comes as part of the Nigerian Navy’s broader modernization efforts, aimed at equipping the service with state-of-the-art technology to effectively address evolving security challenges in Nigeria's waters and support the country's interests both at home and abroad.
