Nigerian Navy hands suspected naval impersonators over to police in Calabar

By Zainab Uzomah|Abuja

The Nigerian Navy says it has handed over two men suspected of impersonating naval officers to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation in Calabar.

In a statement signed by the Director of Naval Information, Adams A. Folorunsho, the Navy said the suspects — David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac — were arrested on 10 March by personnel of NNS Victory after they were found dressed in military camouflage and carrying suspected fake military identification cards.

Preliminary investigations indicated that Aleji allegedly posed as a Nigerian Navy lieutenant, while Isaac claimed to be a midshipman. Both men reportedly told people they were serving aboard NNS Sagbama.

According to the Navy, further investigations revealed that Aleji, who previously received some training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, was believed to be the mastermind behind the impersonation scheme and allegedly recruited Isaac, who resides with him.

A search of their residence reportedly led to the recovery of additional military-related items, including a jungle hat and a pair of boots. The suspects are also said to have admitted purchasing the uniforms and accessories and producing the identification cards themselves.

The Navy said the suspects had been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the police in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution, while urging members of the public to report cases of military impersonation, describing such acts as criminal offences that undermine the integrity of the service.