The Nigerian Navy has handed over two suspected naval impersonators to the Nigeria Police Force State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The suspects, David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac, were arrested on March 10 after being found in military camouflage with fake identification cards.
Aleji allegedly posed as a Nigerian Navy lieutenant, while Isaac claimed to be a midshipman, both falsely asserting they served on NNS SAGBAMA.
Preliminary investigations show Aleji, who trained at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, masterminded the scheme and recruited Isaac, who lives with him.
Authorities recovered additional military items, including a jungle hat and boots. Both suspects admitted purchasing the uniforms and creating the identification cards themselves.
In a statement, Captain AA Folorunsho, Director of Naval Information, said, “The Nigerian Navy remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of the Service.
Acts of impersonation are criminal offences that undermine the Navy and bring it into disrepute.”
The Navy urged the public to report similar incidents to authorities.
“We call on citizens to help protect the image and security of the Nigerian Navy,” Folorunsho added.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
