On Wednesday 11th February, 2026 the former Director of Naval information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu took over the mantle of leadership as the 65th Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT. The change of Command ceremony which was held at NNS BEECROFT Conference Room at Apapa Lagos marked the conclusion of Rear Admiral Nimmyel’s tenure as the 64th Commander of the strategic Naval Base, a role he assumed on February 6, 2025.
In his farewell remarks, Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel expressed deep appreciation to officers, senior and junior ratings, civilian staff, and members of the media for their collaboration and support throughout his stewardship. He acknowledged the demanding operational tempo required to keep NNS BEECROFT functioning at optimal capacity and expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to sustain and elevate the command’s operational standards.
Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in his remarks, reflected on his longstanding professional relationship with his predecessor, which dates back to their cadet days at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna — a bond that has since grown into a strong relationship.
The Commander, NNS BECROFT conveyed his gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass (Admiralty Medal), for entrusting him with what he described as a significant responsibility, and promised to do well and do his best .
He affirmed that his first intern is to actualise the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff which is to provide a mobile Naval Force that is agile and professional, dedicated to securing Nigerians maritime domain and advancing national security objectives in collaboration with other security agencies. Commodore Aliu acknowledged the guidance of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, pledging to align his leadership with the strategic direction of the Nigerian Navy.
He outlined his mission to reposition NNS BEECROFT in effectively fulfilling its core mandate of securing Nigeria’s economic waters, where much of the nation’s commercial activity takes place. Recognizing that economic growth at sea often attracts criminal elements, Adams-Aliu emphasized the need to strengthen investigative processes and reinforce measures against maritime crimes.
He assured his commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling, stowaways, and cross-border maritime offenses, signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward criminal actors operating within and around Nigeria’s territorial waters.
The new commander also underscored the importance of collaboration within the command structure and with the media to ensure timely and effective dissemination of information. Concluding the ceremony, Commodore Adams-Aliu reiterated his commitment to disciplined leadership and operational excellence, assuring stakeholders that NNS BEECROFT will continue to serve as a formidable pillar in Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.