Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Navy has transferred two suspected impersonators of naval personnel to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force in Calabar, Cross River State, following their arrest by officers attached to Nigerian Navy Ship Victory. The development represents a significant step in the ongoing effort by security authorities to combat criminal activities involving the impersonation of military personnel across Nigeria’s coastal region.
According to official statements from naval authorities, the suspects were identified as David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac. They were apprehended on March 10, 2026, during a security operation in Calabar after they were discovered wearing military camouflage uniforms and carrying suspected counterfeit military identification cards. The arrest was carried out by personnel of Nigerian Navy Ship Victory, a naval formation responsible for safeguarding maritime security and supporting law enforcement operations within the Cross River waterways and surrounding coastal areas.
Preliminary investigations conducted by naval authorities revealed that the suspects had allegedly been posing as serving members of the Nigerian Navy. Aleji reportedly presented himself as a lieutenant, while Isaac claimed to be a midshipman. Both individuals allegedly told members of the public that they were attached to Nigerian Navy Ship Sagbama, a claim which authorities later determined to be false.
Security officials indicated that the suspects were intercepted after their activities raised suspicion among residents and security personnel in the area. Naval operatives subsequently moved in to question them and discovered that their documentation and claims of service could not be verified through official naval records. Their inability to provide legitimate proof of affiliation with the Nigerian Navy led to their immediate detention for further interrogation.
Further investigation uncovered that the alleged impersonation scheme was reportedly orchestrated by Aleji, who investigators believe served as the mastermind behind the operation. Authorities revealed that Aleji had previously undergone some form of training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, Akwa Ibom State. Although the training did not make him a member of the Nigerian Navy, officials said the experience may have given him familiarity with certain aspects of maritime operations and naval procedures. Investigators believe this background may have been used to lend credibility to the false claims of naval service.
According to security sources, Aleji allegedly recruited Isaac, who lived with him, to participate in the impersonation activities. The pair reportedly worked together to create the false impression that they were legitimate naval officers operating within the Calabar area. Their alleged actions included wearing military-style clothing and presenting fabricated identity cards to support their claims of belonging to the naval service.
During a search of their residence following the arrest, naval personnel reportedly recovered additional items linked to the impersonation scheme. Among the items discovered were military-related accessories including a jungle hat and a pair of boots believed to have been used to reinforce the suspects’ false identities. Investigators said the suspects admitted during questioning that they had purchased the military-style uniforms and accessories themselves and fabricated the identification cards used in the impersonation.
After the initial interrogation and recovery of the items, the Nigerian Navy transferred the suspects to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Nigeria Police Force in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution. The transfer follows established protocol in Nigeria, where suspects apprehended by military authorities in cases involving civilian criminal offenses are handed over to the police for formal investigation and legal proceedings.
Naval authorities emphasized that impersonating military personnel is a serious criminal offense that undermines public trust in security institutions and can facilitate various forms of crime, including extortion, fraud, and intimidation of civilians. Officials warned that individuals who falsely present themselves as members of the armed forces often exploit the authority associated with military uniforms to deceive members of the public or carry out unlawful activities.
The Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, reiterated that the Nigerian Navy remains committed to protecting the integrity and reputation of the service. He emphasized that acts of impersonation not only bring the armed forces into disrepute but also pose a security threat by enabling criminals to operate under the guise of legitimate security personnel. Authorities therefore urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals claiming to represent the Nigerian Navy or other military institutions.
Cases involving the impersonation of security personnel have been recorded in different parts of Nigeria over the years. Security analysts say such incidents often occur when individuals obtain military-style clothing or equipment and attempt to exploit the authority associated with the uniform. These impersonators sometimes target civilians, motorists, or businesses in an attempt to extort money or gain access to restricted areas.
In response to such threats, Nigerian security agencies have increasingly strengthened collaboration between the military and law enforcement authorities. Naval formations such as Nigerian Navy Ship Victory routinely work alongside the police and other security agencies to monitor activities within coastal communities, waterways, and urban centers where maritime and security operations intersect.
Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, remains one of Nigeria’s strategic coastal cities due to its location along key maritime routes in the Gulf of Guinea. The presence of naval formations in the region is considered critical for combating maritime crimes including piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and oil theft. Security officials say maintaining strict control over military identity and preventing impersonation is essential to ensuring effective security operations in the area.
Authorities at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar have confirmed that the suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue. Detectives are expected to examine the suspects’ statements, the recovered items, and other evidence to determine the full scope of the alleged impersonation activities. Investigators are also assessing whether the suspects acted independently or as part of a wider network involved in impersonating security personnel.
The outcome of the investigation will determine the next legal steps, including possible arraignment before a competent court if sufficient evidence is established. Legal experts note that successful prosecution in such cases serves as an important deterrent against individuals who might consider impersonating members of Nigeria’s armed forces.
For residents of Calabar and surrounding communities, the swift response by naval authorities has been welcomed as an important step toward maintaining security and public trust. Security officials say continued cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies remains vital in identifying suspicious activities and preventing criminals from exploiting the authority of military institutions.
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