The Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, has vowed to intensify security measures against all manner of maritime crimes along the nation’s waters.
Commodore Adams-Aliu who spoke shortly after assuming command of the office, expressed confidence that security agencies were already aware of the tactics and routes used by criminals and would not tolerate illegal activities on Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He noted that intelligence reports had identified persistent smuggling operations originating from neighbouring countries, particularly through the Benin Republic corridor. He also highlighted the increasing cases of stowaways and other illegal movements within five to seven nautical miles of the Lagos Fairway Buoy and surrounding waters.
“Going forward, we intend to curb all such incidences. Those planning anything illegal should rethink. If they refuse to desist, we will strategise and execute our core mandate,” he warned.
Outlining his priorities, the new Commander pledged to align his leadership with the vision of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, which seeks to build a mobile, agile and professional naval force capable of securing Nigeria’s maritime interests in collaboration with other security agencies.
He stated that his mission was to reposition NNS Beecroft to effectively fulfill its mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s vast maritime domain.
“From the territorial waters to the Exclusive Economic Zone, this is where most of Nigeria’s economic activities take place. Unfortunately, it is also where maritime crimes occur. While my predecessor achieved significant successes in curbing these crimes, we will take it a notch higher,” he said.
The Commander promised improved naval presence at sea, enhanced investigative processes and greater operational efficiency in tackling maritime threats.
“Our presence at sea will improve. Everything naval and maritime that we are expected to do as a base will be fulfilled to the best of our ability. I intend to pursue this mission with every ounce of energy I have,” he assured.
He also appealed for the support of the media, stressing the importance of accurate and timely information dissemination in promoting national security.
“Having served as Director of Naval Information, I understand how important the media is. I request that you work with us in partnership for the sake of national security,” he added.
While thanking his predecessor, Rear Admiral Paul Nimmyel, for years of mentorship and guidance, the new Commander expressed optimism that NNS Beecroft would record notable achievements under his leadership.
He assured stakeholders that in due course, the command would present a scorecard of accomplishments that would reflect the strategic vision of the Nigerian Navy.
The change of command ceremony signals renewed determination by the Navy to strengthen maritime security and protect Nigeria’s economic lifelines from criminal exploitation.
Earlier, the outgoing Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft, Rear Admiral Paul Nimmyel expressed gratitude to officers, ratings and civilian staff for their support during his tenure, as he formally handed over leadership of the strategic naval base to his successor.
He said that “NNS Beecroft where the Nigerian Navy was born, and it has grown strongly from that point to date,” describing his period in command as both challenging and rewarding, noting that the base recorded modest but significant achievements under his leadership.
“It has been quite challenging and quite interesting. The base made modest achievements, and I thank God for the officers and personnel who worked tirelessly with me,” he said.
