Nigerian Navy Arrests Two for Military Impersonation

On March 10, 2026, the Nigerian Navy apprehended two suspects, David Nover Aleji and Franci Gideon Isaac, in Calabar for allegedly impersonating military personnel. According to Captain AA Folorunsho, the suspects were dressed in military camouflage and were found in possession of fake military identification cards.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Aleji was impersonating a Nigerian Navy lieutenant, while Isaac posed as a midshipman claiming to serve on the Nigerian Navy ship Sagbama. A search of their residence led to the recovery of additional military-related items, including a jungle hat and a pair of military boots.

Aleji is believed to be the mastermind behind the operation and had previously undergone training at the Maritime Academy in Oron. During interrogation, both suspects reportedly confessed to purchasing camouflage gear and producing fake military identification cards to impersonate the Nigerian Navy.

They have since been handed over to the Nigerian Police Force's State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar for further investigation and possible prosecution.