A new chapter began at the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT (NNS BEECROFT), Apapa, Lagos, as Rear Admiral PP Nimyel formally handed over command after a year of service marked by operational continuity and maritime security vigilance. The change of command ceremony, held on February 11th, 2026, signaled the end of Nimyel’s tenure as the 64th Commander of the strategic naval base, a position he assumed on February 6th, 2025.
Rear Admiral Nimyel expressed appreciation to officers, senior and junior ratings, civilian staff and members of the media whose collaboration, he noted, strengthened the base’s operations during his stewardship. He acknowledged the demanding tempo required to keep NNS BEECROFT functioning at optimal capacity and voiced confidence in his successor’s ability to sustain and elevate the command’s operational standards.
Taking over as the 65th Commander is Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, who until his recent posting served as the Director of Naval Information. In his remarks, Adams-Aliu reflected on a long-standing professional relationship with his predecessor dating back to their cadet days at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, a connection that has evolved into a strong personal and professional bond.
Adams-Aliu conveyed appreciation to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass (Admiralty Medal), for entrusting him with what he described as a significant responsibility. He also 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.
Central to his command philosophy is the actualization of the Chief of the Naval Staff’s vision of building a mobile, agile and professional naval force dedicated to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain while advancing national security objectives in coordination with other security agencies. He outlined his mission to reposition NNS BEECROFT in fulfilling its’ core mandate of securing Nigeria’s economic waters, where much of the nation’s commercial activity occurs.
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 affirmed his commitment to intensifying efforts against smuggling, stowaways and cross-border maritime offenses, signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward criminal actors operating within or around Nigeria’s territorial waters.
He further underscored the importance of collaboration within the command structure and with the media, to ensure prompt and effective dissemination of information. Concluding the ceremony, the new commander reiterated his commitment to disciplined leadership and operational excellence, assuring stakeholders that NNS BEECROFT would continue to stand as a formidable pillar in Nigeria’s maritime security architecture.
