Nigeria’s president Goodluck Jonathan used the recent Air Expo 2010 at the Air Force’s base at Kaduna to announce the arrival of three new aircraft types to their order of battle. Alongside the Chinese built  Chenghu FT-7NI supersonic all-weather fighter, and ATR42-500MP Surveyor maritime patrol aircraft from France, was the AgustaWestland AW109 LUH light utility/attack helicopters.  Two 109LUHs were at the event, serialled 571 and 572, and local sources are quoting a total of 12 on order.  Photos of the first two LUHs appeared on the popular Airliners.net website – see here

Nigeria already has 109 experience with their Navy, although the initial fleet of six was reduced by one in an accident earlier this year.

When HeliHub.com asked AgustaWestland for further information, they declined to comment citing a customer request for no publicity.  We also understand that an order for twelve Eurocopter AS550 Fenecs should commence delivery to the Nigerian Navy shortly