In a swift and strategic response to maritime crime, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intensified its operations under the leadership of its new Base Commander, Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel. Barely a week into his assumption of office, the base has recorded significant successes in its security enforcement efforts, aligning with the directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for the 2023-2026 operational framework.
During a press briefing, Commodore Nimmyel outlined a series of decisive operations that have reinforced security in the Lagos maritime corridor and beyond. Between February 10 and 11, 2025, NNS BEECROFT carried out high-impact seizures and arrests that disrupted illicit activities, sending a strong warning to criminal elements operating in Nigerian waters.
One of the key operations took place on February 10, when the Quick Response Team intercepted a large wooden boat en route to the Republic of Benin. After an intense pursuit, naval personnel apprehended seven suspects attempting to escape. The seized vessel, with a massive capacity of 480 drums, was also found carrying three pumping machines, eight Yamaha 40-horsepower outboard engines, and other critical exhibits, all of which were displayed at the press briefing.
Further demonstrating its commitment to maritime security, the base executed another successful operation on the same day, acting on credible intelligence. Security operatives intercepted boats smuggling cannabis sativa at Topo Badagry’s water axis and at Long Jetty. Although the perpetrators managed to flee, a thorough search of the area led to the recovery of 28 bags containing a staggering 1,120 kilograms of the illicit substance. All confiscated items were subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution, in line with the Nigerian Navy’s standard operating procedures.
These latest successes reaffirm NNS BEECROFT’s unwavering resolve to implement Vice Admiral Ogalla’s mandate to eradicate criminal activities in Nigeria’s maritime domain.
The base has intensified its collaboration with other security agencies, ensuring a coordinated approach to tackling oil bunkering, smuggling, and other illicit operations that threaten the country’s economic and security interests.
In a stern warning to criminal elements, Commodore Nimmyel made it clear that the era of unchecked illegal maritime activities is over. He emphasized that perpetrators of oil theft and other nefarious operations will face the full force of the law if caught, as the Nigerian Navy remains resolute in its mission to safeguard national waters and protect vital economic assets.
