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 after they were discovered wearing military camouflage uniforms and carrying suspected fake military identification cards. According to the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, the suspects had been impersonating naval personnel.
Folorunsho said: “Preliminary findings revealed that David Aleji allegedly paraded himself as a Nigerian Navy Lieutenant, while Francis Isaac impersonated a Midshipman, both falsely claiming to be personnel serving on board NNS Sagbama.” Further investigation revealed that Aleji was believed to be the mastermind behind the impersonation.
The naval spokesperson explained: “Further investigation revealed that Aleji, who previously received some training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, was the mastermind behind the impersonation scheme and recruited Isaac, who resides with him.” Security operatives also conducted a search of the suspects’ residence.
Folorunsho said: “A search at their residence led to the recovery of additional military-related items, including a jungle hat and a pair of boots, while the suspects admitted they purchased the uniforms and accessories and produced the identification cards themselves.”
The Nigerian Navy reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the service and warned the public to remain vigilant against impersonators.
Folorunsho added: “The Nigerian Navy reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Service and enjoins members of the public to report such acts of impersonation to the authorities.” He noted that impersonating military personnel is a criminal offence that undermines the reputation and credibility of the armed forces.