The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) VICTORY has transferred 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 David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac, were apprehended on March 10, 2026, after they were seen wearing military camouflage uniforms and found with suspected fake military identity cards.
In a statement issued on Monday, the spokesperson for NNS VICTORY, Lt Cdr Suleiman Bala, said preliminary findings showed that Aleji allegedly presented himself as a Nigerian Navy Lieutenant, while Isaac claimed to be a Midshipman.
Both men reportedly claimed they were serving aboard NNS SAGBAMA.
According to the statement, Aleji, who is said to have undergone some training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, was identified as the mastermind behind the impersonation and had recruited Isaac, who lives with him.
The Navy also disclosed that a search carried out 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 they bought the uniforms and accessories and produced the identification cards themselves.
The Nigerian Navy reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the Service and encouraged members of the public to promptly report any cases of impersonation to appropriate authorities.
It emphasised that such acts damage the reputation of the Nigerian Navy and amount to serious criminal offences.
The suspects will remain in police custody as investigations continue and further actions are taken.
