In a formal ceremony held at the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT conference room on Thursday, 14th March 2024, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo officially took over command of the vessel from Commodore Kolawole Olumide Oguntuga. The event marked the transition of leadership as Commodore Oladejo assumed the role of the 23rd Commander of NNS BEECROFT.
Hailing from Erin-Ile, Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. A distinguished member of the 44th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Commodore Oladejo has served in various capacities within the Nigerian Navy, including Commanding Officer of NNS CENTENARY, Commanding Officer of Forward Operating Base BONNY, Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Intelligence School in Ubima, and Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of the Naval Staff.
His extensive military training includes completing courses such as the International Intelligence Course at the South African Defence Intelligence College in Pretoria, the Maritime Search & Rescue Course at the United States Coast Guard Training Centre in Virginia, USA, and the Terrorism & Security Studies Course at the George C Marshall European Centre in Germany. Additionally, he has participated in 25 different courses on United Nations Peace Operations, further enhancing his knowledge and skills in security and defense.
Commodore Oladejo holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics, as well as certificates in Advanced Personnel/Human Resource Management from the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria in Badagry, a Post Graduate Diploma in Security Management & Operations from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, and a Master of Science in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan. He is also recognized as an alumnus of the George C Marshall European Centre for Security Studies in Germany and holds memberships in prestigious professional organizations such as the Institute of Security Management & Operations of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management.
Throughout his career, Commodore Oladejo has been decorated with numerous awards and honors, including the ECOMOG Medal, United Nations Medal, Command at Sea Badge, and various other accolades recognizing his exemplary service and dedication to duty.
The ceremony, attended by officers of Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, featured the symbolic exchange of Handing and Taking over Notes between Commodores Oguntuga and Oladejo, as well as the formal transfer of the Command Flag.
Lieutenant Hussaini Ibrahim, Base Information Officer at Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, expressed confidence in Commodore Oladejo’s leadership and reiterated the vessel’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime security and defense under his command.