In a ceremony marked by tradition and solemnity, the Nigerian Navy witnessed a significant change of command at the NNS BEECROFT, Apapa, Lagos, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, former Director of Naval Information, assumed the mantle as the 65th Commander of the strategic naval base.
The handover formally concluded the tenure of Rear Admiral Paul Ponfa Nimmyel, who served as the 64th Commander since February 6, 2025. The ceremony, held at the NNS BEECROFT Conference Room, brought together officers, civilian staff, and members of the media in a display of unity and professional decorum.
In his farewell address, Rear Admiral Nimmyel lauded the collaborative efforts of officers, senior and junior ratings, civilian personnel, and media representatives during his tenure. He acknowledged the rigorous operational demands of NNS BEECROFT and expressed confidence in his successor’s ability to maintain and enhance the base’s operational standards.
Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in his acceptance remarks, reflected warmly on his longstanding professional relationship with Rear Admiral Nimmyel, which dates back to their cadet days at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna. He described the bond as both enduring and foundational to his leadership approach.
Expressing gratitude to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass (Admiralty Medal), Commodore Adams-Aliu called the appointment a “significant responsibility” and pledged to uphold the values and expectations of the Nigerian Navy. “I will do my utmost to sustain operational excellence and enhance the naval base’s strategic role,” he asserted.
The new commander emphasized his commitment to realizing the Chief of Naval Staff’s vision of a mobile, agile, and professional naval force dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain and national security interests. He further acknowledged the guidance of the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, promising alignment with the Nigerian Navy’s strategic directives.
Commodore Adams-Aliu outlined his immediate mission: repositioning NNS BEECROFT to effectively secure Nigeria’s economic waters, a critical arena for national commerce. He highlighted the need for reinforced investigative processes to tackle maritime crimes, underscoring that economic prosperity at sea often attracts illicit activities.
Addressing security challenges, the commander vowed intensified efforts against smuggling, stowaways, and cross-border maritime offenses. “We will operate a zero-tolerance policy toward criminal actors within and around our territorial waters,” he stated, signaling a robust security posture.
Highlighting the value of teamwork, Commodore Adams-Aliu stressed collaboration within the command structure and proactive engagement with the media to ensure timely, accurate, and transparent communication. He described these efforts as essential to operational success and public confidence.
Concluding the ceremony, the new commander reiterated his commitment to disciplined leadership and operational excellence. He assured stakeholders that NNS BEECROFT would remain a formidable pillar in Nigeria’s maritime security framework, dedicated to protecting the nation’s interests at sea.