Navy hands over suspected impersonators to police in Calabar

2026-03-15 - 20:27

By: Kingsley Omonobi The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Victory has handed over two suspected naval impersonators to the Nigeria Police State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution. The suspects, Mr. David Norbert Aleji and Mr. Francis Gideon Isaac, were arrested on 10 March 2026 after they were found dressed in military camouflage and in possession of suspected fake military identification cards. Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, who made this known, urged the public to be vigilant so as not to fall victim to such impersonators. “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, 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. “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 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 said such acts constitute criminal offences that undermine the integrity of the Nigerian Navy and bring it into disrepute. Vanguard News