Nigerian Navy Arrests Two Suspected Impersonators Posing As Lieutenant, Midshipman In Cross River
Nigerian Navy Arrests Two Suspected Impersonators Posing As Lieutenant, Midshipman In Cross River
The suspects, identified as David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac, were apprehended on March 10, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY after they were discovered dressed in military camouflage uniforms and found in possession of suspected fake naval identification cards.
The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspected naval impersonators who allegedly posed as serving officers of the force and handed them over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution in Calabar, Cross River State.
The suspects, identified as David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac, were apprehended on March 10, 2026, by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY after they were discovered dressed in military camouflage uniforms and found in possession of suspected fake naval identification cards.
Naval authorities said the suspects were subsequently handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the police in Calabar for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged impersonation and other possible criminal activities.
According to preliminary findings by the Navy, Aleji allegedly paraded himself as a Lieutenant in the Nigerian Navy, while Isaac reportedly claimed to be a Midshipman.
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Both suspects allegedly told unsuspecting members of the public that they were personnel serving onboard Nigerian Navy Ship SAGBAMA.
However, naval officials said further checks showed that neither of the men was enlisted in the service.
Investigators also discovered that Aleji had previously undergone some form of training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria located in Oron, a development authorities believe may have helped him convincingly pose as a naval officer.
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However, Aleji was believed to be the mastermind of the impersonation scheme.
During a search conducted at the suspects’ residence following their arrest, security personnel reportedly recovered additional military-related items believed to have been used in the impersonation.
Items recovered included a jungle hat and a pair of military boots, according to authorities.
Investigators also found that the suspects had allegedly purchased the camouflage uniforms and accessories themselves, while the naval identification cards found in their possession were reportedly produced by the duo.
The Nigerian Navy, while confirming the development, reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity, discipline, and reputation of the service.
In a statement, the Navy urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report cases of military impersonation or suspicious individuals claiming to be military personnel to relevant authorities.
“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 statement said.
The Navy noted that such acts constitute criminal offences capable of undermining the credibility of the service and bringing the Nigerian Navy into disrepute.
