By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has intensified its operations against maritime crime, achieving significant successes within a week of Commodore Paul Ponfa Nimmyel assuming command.
These efforts align with the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for the 2023-2026 operational framework.
During a recent press briefing, Commodore Nimmyel detailed a series of operations that bolstered security across the Lagos maritime corridor and beyond. Between February 10 and 11, 2025, NNS BEECROFT executed high-impact seizures and arrests, delivering a strong message to criminal elements operating within Nigerian waters.
A key operation on February 10 saw the Quick Response Team intercept a large wooden boat headed for the Republic of Benin. Following a high-speed pursuit, naval personnel apprehended seven suspects attempting to evade capture. The vessel, capable of carrying up to 480 drums, was found loaded with three pumping machines, eight Yamaha 40-horsepower outboard engines, and other critical exhibits displayed during the briefing.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation that same day, security operatives intercepted boats engaged in smuggling cannabis sativa at the Topo Badagry waterway and Long Jetty.
Although the suspects managed to flee, a thorough search led to the seizure of 28 bags containing 1,120 kilograms of the illicit substance. The confiscated items were subsequently handed over to the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and prosecution, in accordance with the Nigerian Navy’s standard operating procedures.
The recent successes underscore NNS BEECROFT’s commitment to executing Vice Admiral Ogalla’s mandate to eliminate maritime criminal activities. The base has strengthened its collaboration with other security agencies, ensuring a unified response against oil bunkering, smuggling, and other illicit operations that threaten national economic and security interests.
Commodore Nimmyel issued a firm warning to criminal elements, stressing that illegal maritime activities will no longer go unchecked.
He reiterated that those involved in oil theft and other unlawful operations will face strict legal consequences as the Nigerian Navy remains steadfast in its mission to safeguard national waters and protect vital economic assets.
