The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY has handed over two suspected naval impersonators to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Nigeria Police Force in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The suspects, identified as Mr. David Norbert Aleji and Mr. Francis Gideon Isaac, were arrested on March 10, 2026, after they were discovered wearing military camouflage and found in possession of suspected fake military identification cards.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Aleji allegedly paraded himself as a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy, while Isaac reportedly impersonated a Midshipman. Both suspects falsely claimed to be personnel serving onboard the Nigerian Navy Ship SAGBAMA.
Further findings indicated that Aleji, who previously received some form of training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, was the alleged mastermind behind the impersonation scheme. Authorities said he recruited Isaac, who lives with him, to participate in the operation.
A search conducted at their residence led to the recovery of additional military-related items, including a jungle hat and a pair of boots. The suspects reportedly admitted that the uniforms and accessories were purchased by them, while the identification cards were produced by the duo.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity and reputation of the service, urging members of the public to promptly report cases of military impersonation to relevant authorities.
The Navy noted that such acts constitute criminal offences capable of undermining the credibility of the service and bringing the Nigerian Navy into disrepute.
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