The Nigerian Navy says it has received three newly acquired Agusta Westland (AW) 109 Trekker helicopters from the ministry of defence.

Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, director of naval information, said in a statement that the three helicopters were handed over on Tuesday at the Caverton Helicopters Limited (CHL) hangar facility in Ikeja, Lagos.

Adams-Aliu said the AW 109 helicopters have all purpose-built VIP configurations, with full leather and noise attenuation systems.

He added that the choppers are equipped with landing skids that provide a better loading capacity compared to traditional wheeled helicopters.

“Additionally, the helicopters are designed with auxiliary tanks to ensure extended endurance of up to 3hrs 40mins,” Adams-Aliu said.

“Thus, the helicopters 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, thanked President Bola Tinubu “for his unflinching support” to the Nigerian armed forces and Navy.

Ogalla expressed gratitude to Mohammed Badaru, the minister of defence, and Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, for facilitating the acquisition of the helicopters.