The handing and taking-over ceremony of the command of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT between Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo and Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel was held on Thursday, 6 February 2025, at NNS BEECROFT conference room following a send-forth parade held in honour of the out-going commander.
According to the Base Information Officer, Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim “Commodore Paul Ponfa has become the 58th Commander NNS BEECROFT. He hails from Plateau State and is a member of 43 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy. Prior to his appointment as the Commander NNS BEECROFT, he was the Maritime Component Commander Operation Hadin Kai (OPHD) Headquarters, Maiduguri.
He attended the following military courses: Sub-Lieutenant Technical Course, Officers’ Long Course, Junior Staff Course, Senior Staff Course and the National Defence College Course, Nigeria, among others.
Commodore Nimmyel has obtained the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Defence Studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna, a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan, a Master’s Degree in International Relations from Kofi Annan University, and he is currently undergoing a Ph.D. programme at the University of Ibadan.
The Senior Officer has the following awards and decorations: Distinguished Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Forces Service Star, Passed Staff Course, Joint Task Force (North-East) Medal, ECOMOG Medal, Multinational Joint Task Force Operations Medal, among others.
The highlights of the ceremony included send-forth parade, singing of the Handing and Taking-over Note by both commanders and the Handing and Taking Over of the Command’s Flag.