By Evelyn Usman

New Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship ,NNS Beecroft, Apapa, Lagos, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, yesterday, warned criminal elements operating in Nigeria’s waterways within the Command’s Area of Responsibility to rethink their activities, promising to strengthen maritime security and intensify the fight against smuggling and other illegal operations in the nation’s maritime domain.

Adams-Aliu made the remarks shortly after taking over from his predecessor, Rear Admiral Paul Nimyel, describing his mission as repositioning the base to effectively fulfil its core mandate of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime environment.

He said: “I am sending a clear warning to criminal elements operating within our maritime environment. We are aware of the routes and methods used by some of these elements. We have observed smuggling activities along the flanks of our neighbouring Benin Republic, as well as incidents involving stowaways around five to seven nautical miles off the Lagos Fairway Buoy and other areas.

“Going forward, we intend to curb these activities decisively. Those planning any illegal acts should reconsider. If they fail to do so, we will strategically deploy our assets and execute our mandate without hesitation,” he declared.

Outlining his mission, the new Commander, who was formerly Director of Naval Information, said his focus would align with that of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abass, which centres on developing a mobile, agile, and professional naval force dedicated to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain in synergy with other security agencies.

From the strategic vantage point of the base, he noted that the vast maritime space stretching from Nigeria’s coastline through its territorial waters to the Exclusive Economic Zone remained critical to the country’s economic survival.

“This is where most of Nigeria’s economic activities take place. But it is also where maritime crimes occur. Although significant successes were recorded under my predecessor, our administration will consolidate those gains and take it a notch higher. Our presence at sea will be improved. Our security processes will be enhanced. Everything maritime that we are supposed to do as a base, we will pursue diligently and professionally.”

While commending his predecessor, Rear Admiral Paul Nimyel, whom he referred to as brother , having known him over two decades, for the successes recorded during his tenure, Adams-Aliu said: “I intend to build on the successes recorded by my predecessor, under whose watch criminal activities were largely curtailed. We will take it a notch higher. Our presence at sea will be strengthened, and our security processes enhanced. Everything maritime that falls within our responsibility as a base will be pursued diligently and professionally. I am committed to this mission with every ounce of energy I possess,” he assured, expressing gratitude to God and to the Chief of Naval Staff for the honour to serve as Commander of NNS Beecroft.

He, however, appealed to the media for cooperation, noting that as a former Director of Information, he understands the critical role of the press in national security.

Earlier in his handover remarks, the outgoing Commander, Rear Admiral Paul Nimyel, described his tenure as a period of shared sacrifice, resilience, and collective achievement.

He said: “Today marks an important moment in the history of this command as I formally hand over leadership to my successor. It has been a great honour and privilege to serve alongside each and every one of you.”

Reflecting on his time in command, he added: “Throughout my tenure, we have faced challenges, embraced responsibilities, and achieved significant milestones together. These accomplishments were not mine alone; they were the result of your loyalty, professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to duty.”

Nimyel urged personnel to support Adams-Aliu, noting that continuity and unity are essential to sustaining operational efficiency.