Nigerian Naval Authorities Transfer Alleged Impostors to Law Enforcement in Calabar

The Nigerian Navy Ship Victory has transferred custody of two alleged naval impostors, Mr. David Norbert Aleji and Mr. Francis Gideon Isaac, to the Nigeria Police State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar, where they will face further scrutiny and potential prosecution.

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The arrest of the suspects occurred on 10 March 2026, after it was discovered that they were wearing military camouflage attire and carrying what appeared to be counterfeit military identification cards.

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According to Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, the Director of Naval Information, the public is advised to exercise caution to avoid falling prey to such impersonators, as preliminary investigations have shed light on the suspects' deceptive activities.

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It was found that David Aleji purportedly posed as a Nigerian Navy Lieutenant, while Francis Isaac masqueraded as a Midshipman, with both falsely claiming to be serving on board the NNS Sagbama.

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Further inquiry revealed that Aleji, who had previously undergone training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, was the mastermind behind the impersonation scheme, and had recruited Isaac, with whom he shared a residence.

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A search of their living quarters yielded additional military-related items, including a jungle hat and a pair of boots, and the suspects confessed to having purchased the uniforms and accessories, as well as producing the identification cards themselves.

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The Nigerian Navy has reaffirmed its dedication to upholding the integrity of the Service, and is urging the public to report any instances of impersonation to the authorities.

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Such acts of impersonation are considered criminal offences, which undermine the integrity of the Nigerian Navy and tarnish its reputation, according to Captain Abiodun Folorunsho.