The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT on Thursday welcomed Commodore Paul Nimmyel as it’s new Commander as the outgone Commander, Commodore Rafui Oladejo takes a bow.
The Taking Over and Handing Over ceremony took place at NNS BEECROFT parade ground, Apapa, Lagos State.
Nimmyel warned pirates to desist from illegal activities assuring that tough times awaits them if they continued to carryout their nefarious activities at sea.
“My message to marine criminals, especially pirates is for them to stay out of trouble because I am going to intensify the efforts of my predecessor.
“There will be zero tolerance to crime, particularly sea piracy and all crimes in the maritime spectrum in our area of operations,” he said.
The commander thanked the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Adm. Emmanuel Oghalla for deeming him worthy to oversee the affairs of the Base, promising to discharge his duties in due diligence.
Nimmyel called for support and cooperation from officers and soldiers to help achieve the mandate and operational activities of the Base in line with the vision of the CNS directive for the Nigerian Navy.
“I will aggressively pursue the mandate given to the Base and with support from the personnel, continue from where my predecessor stopped.
“Every other thing will be added interms of welfare but we must put in the work to sustain our mandate that has been given to us by higher authorities,” the commander said.
Meanwhile, the outgone Commander, Commodore Oladejo said that collaborating with other security agencies and sister services ensured that NNS BEECROFT performed creditably well under his watch.
“I believe that the incoming commander will take it from where we are coming because there is no vacuum in leadership,” he said.
Oladejo advised personnel of the Base to continue to remain loyal, professional and conduct their activities in line with the rule of law.
“Most importantly, give your support to the incoming commander so that he can also succeed in his mandate,” the outgone Commander said.