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.
The suspects, David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac, were arrested on March 10, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY after they were found dressed in military camouflage and in possession of suspected fake military identification cards. Preliminary investigations revealed that Aleji allegedly paraded himself as a Nigerian Navy Lieutenant, while Isaac impersonated a Midshipman, both falsely claiming to serve on board Nigerian Navy Ship SAGBAMA.
According to Captain AA Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, further investigations showed that Aleji, who previously trained at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, masterminded the scheme and recruited Isaac, who resides with him. A search of their residence recovered additional military-related items, including a jungle hat and boots. The suspects reportedly admitted purchasing the uniforms and accessories themselves and producing the fake identification cards.
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Service and warned that impersonating military personnel is a criminal offence that undermined the Navy’s credibility. Folorunsho urged members of the public to report any such acts to the authorities immediately.
