The Nigerian Navy has handed over two suspected military impersonators to the Nigeria Police Force State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar.
The suspects, David Novert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac, were arrested on March 10, 2026 for allegedly posing as personnel of the Nigerian Navy. They were reportedly found wearing military camouflage and carrying fake military identification cards.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Aleji allegedly impersonated a naval lieutenant, while Isaac posed as a midshipman claiming to be attached to Nigerian Navy Ship SAGBAMA.
A search of their residence reportedly led to the discovery of additional military-related items, including a jungle hat and military boots. Authorities said Aleji, believed to be the mastermind, previously trained at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria and later recruited Isaac.
The suspects reportedly admitted to purchasing the camouflage vest, jungle hat, and boots, as well as producing the fake identification cards. They have since been handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, the navy also announced that under Operation DELTA SENTINEL, personnel attached to Forward Operating Base Bonny uncovered and destroyed an illegal crude oil storage site in the Opotumbi area of Rivers State.
Naval officials said four dug-out pits containing about 17,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil were discovered and destroyed as part of efforts to combat oil theft and maritime crimes.
