The Nigerian Navy has transferred two men suspected of impersonating naval officers to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the police in Calabar, Cross River State, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Authorities disclosed that the suspects were arrested after naval operatives discovered that they had been falsely presenting themselves as members of the Nigerian Navy while wearing military uniforms and carrying questionable identification documents.
The suspects were identified as David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac. According to officials, the pair were apprehended on March 10, 2026, during an operation that exposed their alleged impersonation activities.
They were reportedly found dressed in camouflage uniforms resembling those worn by naval personnel, raising suspicions among security operatives.
Officials said the arrest was part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Navy to clamp down on individuals who unlawfully impersonate members of the armed forces for personal gain or to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
Speaking on the development, the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Abiodun Folorunsho, explained that preliminary investigations carried out by naval authorities revealed that the suspects had been falsely claiming to be active naval officers.
According to him, David Aleji allegedly presented himself as a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy, while Francis Isaac posed as a Midshipman.
Both men reportedly told people that they were attached to a naval platform known as NNS Sagbama.
Further inquiries conducted by investigators suggested that Aleji played a leading role in orchestrating the impersonation.
Authorities believe he was the mastermind behind the scheme and may have used his background knowledge of maritime training to make the deception appear credible.
Naval authorities disclosed that Aleji had previously undergone some level of training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, Akwa Ibom State.
Although he was not an enlisted officer, investigators believe the limited exposure he received may have enabled him to convincingly imitate naval personnel.
According to the Nigerian Navy, Aleji later recruited Isaac, who reportedly lived with him, to join the impersonation plot.
Investigators believe the pair worked together to sustain the false identity and create the impression that they were legitimate officers serving in the naval force.
As part of the investigation, security operatives conducted a search of the residence where the suspects lived.
During the search operation, officials recovered several items believed to have been used to support the impersonation.
Among the items discovered were a jungle hat and a pair of combat boots typically associated with military personnel.
Authorities also found other materials believed to have been used to enhance the suspects’ false claims.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted that they purchased the camouflage uniforms and related accessories themselves.
They also confessed to producing the identification cards they carried, which investigators believe were fabricated to give credibility to their claims of being naval officers.
Officials emphasized that impersonating members of the military is a serious criminal offence under Nigerian law and can attract severe penalties if proven in court.
Following their arrest and initial interrogation, the suspects were officially handed over to the Nigeria Police Force’s State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar.
The police are expected to continue the investigation, gather further evidence, and determine the appropriate legal charges.
The Nigerian Navy stated that the handover was necessary to ensure due legal process and allow law enforcement authorities to proceed with prosecution if the suspects are found guilty of the allegations.
Security experts say cases of military impersonation can pose significant security risks, especially when individuals use fake identities to gain trust, access restricted areas, or defraud members of the public.
The Nigerian Navy therefore reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the image, integrity, and operational credibility of the service.
Authorities stressed that any attempt to impersonate naval personnel would be treated as a criminal act and dealt with accordingly.
Naval spokesperson Abiodun Folorunsho also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals claiming to be military personnel without proper identification or conduct.
He noted that public cooperation plays an important role in preventing impersonation and protecting the reputation of the armed forces.
The Nigerian Navy further assured Nigerians that it will continue to work closely with other security agencies to detect and prosecute individuals involved in impersonation or related crimes.
Officials believe that such collaboration between the military and law enforcement agencies will help deter future incidents and reinforce public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.
As investigations continue, authorities have encouraged citizens to verify the identities of individuals claiming to be military officers and promptly notify security agencies if they suspect fraudulent activity.
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