The Nigerian Navy has officially taken delivery of three Agusta Westland 109 Trekker helicopters, marking a significant enhancement to its operational capabilities. The handover ceremony, which took place on November 12, 2024, in Ikeja, Lagos, was attended by senior naval officers, including the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla.

In a statement from the Director of Naval Information, Commodore A. Adams-Aliu, the CNS expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian government officials who made the acquisition possible, including Defence Ministers Abubakar Badaru and Bello Matawelle. The CNS also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing support of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

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“These helicopters will significantly improve the Navy’s ability to conduct air reconnaissance, search and rescue missions, air insertion, and MEDEVAC operations,” Adams-Aliu said, quoting Vice Admiral Ogalla.

The newly received AW 109 models are equipped with leather interiors for VIP transport, noise-reducing systems, and increased loading capacity thanks to their landing skids. Additionally, the helicopters are fitted with auxiliary fuel tanks, extending their flight endurance to over three and a half hours, making them an invaluable asset for a range of operations.