By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Navy has handed over two suspected naval impersonators to the Nigeria Police Force State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In an official statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, the Navy disclosed that the suspects, Mr. David Norbert Aleji and Mr. Francis Gideon Isaac, were arrested on 10 March 2026 by personnel of NNS Victory after they were found dressed in military camouflage and in possession of suspected fake military identification cards.
According to the statement, preliminary findings revealed that Aleji allegedly paraded himself as a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy, while Isaac impersonated a Midshipman. The two men reportedly claimed to be personnel serving aboard NNS Sagbama.
Further investigations indicated that Aleji, who had previously undergone some form of training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, was the mastermind behind the impersonation scheme. He allegedly recruited Isaac, who resides with him, into the illegal act.
Naval authorities also disclosed that a search conducted at the suspects’ residence led to the recovery of additional military-related items, including a jungle hat and a pair of boots. The suspects reportedly admitted during interrogation that they purchased the military uniforms and accessories themselves and produced the fake identification cards used in the impersonation.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity and reputation of the Service. It also urged members of the public to promptly report cases of military impersonation and other suspicious activities to relevant authorities, noting that such acts constitute criminal offences capable of undermining the integrity of the Navy and bringing the institution into disrepute.
