The Nigerian Navy has cautioned members of the public that posing as naval personnel is a criminal act that damages the credibility of the service, urging citizens to promptly report such misconduct to the proper authorities. The advisory came after Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY transferred two suspected impersonators to the Nigeria Police Force State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a statement, the Director of Naval Information, Abiodun Folorunsho, said the suspects Mr David Norbert Aleji and Mr Francis Gideon Isaac were arrested on 10 March 2026 after being found dressed in military camouflage and carrying suspected fake military identity cards. Initial investigations showed that Aleji allegedly posed as a Lieutenant in the Navy, while Isaac claimed to be a Midshipman, with both falsely stating they were serving aboard NNS SAGBAMA.
Further findings revealed that Aleji, who previously trained at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, was suspected to be the mastermind of the scheme and had recruited Isaac, who lives with him. The statement added that a search of their residence uncovered more military-related items, including a jungle hat and a pair of boots. Authorities also said the suspects confessed to buying the uniforms and accessories themselves and producing the fake identification cards used for the impersonation.
Source: https://von.gov.ng/
