Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel has officially assumed command of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, succeeding Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo in a formal handing and taking-over ceremony held on Thursday, 6th February 2025. The event took place at the NNS BEECROFT conference room and was preceded by a send-forth parade in honour of the outgoing commander.
The Base Information Officer, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, confirmed the change of command, stating that Commodore Nimmyel now becomes the 58th Commander of NNS BEECROFT. He hails from Plateau State and is a member of the 43 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Prior to this appointment, he served as the Maritime Component Commander at Operation Hadin Kai (OPHD) Headquarters in Maiduguri, overseeing naval operations in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts.
Commodore Nimmyel has undergone extensive military training, including the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course, Officers’ Long Course, Junior Staff Course, Senior Staff Course, and the National Defence College Course in Nigeria, among others. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Defence Studies from the NDA, a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan, and another Master’s Degree in International Relations from Kofi Annan University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Ibadan.
His distinguished career is further highlighted by several military awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Forces Service Star, Passed Staff Course insignia, Joint Task Force (North-East) Medal, ECOMOG Medal, and the Multinational Joint Task Force Operations Medal.
The ceremony’s highlights included the send-forth parade, the formal signing of the Handing and Taking-over Note by both commanders, and the symbolic handing over of the Command’s Flag. Commodore Nimmyel’s appointment signals a new phase for NNS BEECROFT, which remains a critical naval base in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime security.
