The Nigerian Navy has announced a change of command at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Apapa, Lagos, with Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu assuming office as the 65th Commander of the strategic naval base.
The handover ceremony, held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the NNS BEECROFT Conference Room, marked the end of the tenure of Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, who served as the 64th Commander since February 6, 2025.
In his farewell address, Rear Admiral Nimmyel expressed appreciation to officers, senior and junior ratings, civilian staff, and members of the media for their support and cooperation throughout his tenure. He acknowledged the high operational demands of the command and expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to sustain and improve on existing standards.
Commodore Adams-Aliu, who previously served as Director of Naval Information, reflected on his longstanding professional relationship with Rear Admiral Nimmyel, dating back to their cadet days at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. He described their relationship as one built on mutual respect and shared professional values.
The new Commander expressed gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass (Admiralty Medal), for the trust reposed in him, describing his appointment as a significant responsibility. He pledged to deliver on his mandate and align his leadership with the strategic vision of the Nigerian Navy.
Adams-Aliu stated that his priority is to actualise the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff to build a mobile, agile, and professional naval force dedicated to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain in collaboration with other security agencies. He also acknowledged the guidance of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral A.A. Mustapha, assuring that his leadership would align with the Navy’s broader strategic direction.
Outlining his mission, the new Commander said he intends to reposition NNS BEECROFT to effectively carry out its core mandate of securing Nigeria’s economic waters, which account for a significant portion of the nation’s commercial activities. He noted that increased economic activities at sea often attract criminal elements, stressing the need to strengthen investigative processes and reinforce measures against maritime crimes.
He pledged to intensify efforts against smuggling, stowaways, and other cross-border maritime offences, adopting what he described as a zero-tolerance stance against criminal activities within Nigeria’s territorial waters.
Commodore Adams-Aliu also emphasised the importance of internal collaboration within the command and partnership with the media to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information.
He assured stakeholders that under his leadership, NNS BEECROFT would continue to serve as a strong pillar in Nigeria’s maritime security architecture, anchored on discipline, professionalism, and operational excellence.
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