Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel has been appointed as the new Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT, Lagos.
Commodore Nimmyel officially took over command from Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, in a formal handing-over ceremony held at the operational command headquarters at the weekend.
The ceremony, which followed a send-off parade in honour of the outgoing commander, marked a significant transition for the naval base.
Commodore Nimmyel becomes the 58th commander of NNS BEECROFT, bringing with him extensive operational and academic experience.
A native of Plateau State and a member of the 43 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Commodore Nimmyel previously served as the Maritime Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHD) Headquarters in Maiduguri, a critical role in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts.
His military career includes several professional courses such as the Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course, Officers’ Long Course, Junior Staff Course, Senior Staff Course, and the prestigious National Defence College Course in Nigeria.
In addition to his operational experience, Commodore Nimmyel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and Defence Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy, a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan, and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Kofi Annan University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Ibadan.
Recognised for his service, he has been decorated with numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Forces Service Star, Passed Staff Course badge, and several operational medals, such as the ECOMOG Medal and the Multinational Joint Task Force Operations Medal.
The ceremony’s highlights included the send-off parade, the signing of the handing and taking-over notes by both officers, and the official transfer of the command’s flag, symbolising the change of leadership.
Commodore Nimmyel is expected to bring his wealth of experience to the command as he assumes leadership of NNS BEECROFT, a key naval base responsible for maritime security operations along Nigeria’s coastline.
