Navy Hands Over Suspected Military Imposters to Police in Calabar
The Nigerian Navy Ship VICTORY has officially handed over two individuals suspected of impersonating military personnel to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) State Criminal Investigation Department in Calabar. This action underscores ongoing efforts to maintain discipline and security within the armed forces.
Arrest and Investigation Details
The suspects, identified as David Novert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac, were apprehended on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. They were found dressed in full military camouflage uniforms and in possession of counterfeit military identification cards. Preliminary investigations have revealed that Aleji was fraudulently posing as a Nigerian Navy Lieutenant, while Isaac was masquerading as a Midshipman, falsely claiming to serve on the Nigerian Navy Ship SAGBAMA.
Upon searching their residence, authorities recovered additional military-related items, including a jungle hat and boots. Aleji, who is believed to be the mastermind behind the scheme, had previously received training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron. He reportedly recruited Isaac, who was staying with him at the time of the arrest.
Both suspects have confessed to purchasing the camouflage vest, jungle hat, and boots, as well as producing the fake identity cards. They have now been transferred to the police for further investigation and potential prosecution, highlighting the seriousness with which such offenses are treated.
Related Naval Operations Against Maritime Crimes
In a separate but related development, the Nigerian Navy has intensified its efforts to combat crude oil theft and illegal bunkering under Operation DELTA SENTINEL. As part of these ongoing operations, an illegal crude oil storage site was destroyed within the Forward Operating Base (FOB) BONNY Area of Operations in Rivers State.
Director of Naval Information, Captain A.A Folorunsho, issued a statement detailing the operation. He explained that the unit utilized advanced Maritime Surveillance technology to uncover concealed dugout pits hidden beneath thick vegetation in the creeks of the Opotumbi general area.
Elements from FOB BONNY swiftly moved to the site and discovered four dug-out pits containing a cumulative total of 17,500 litres of products suspected to be stolen crude oil. In accordance with existing operational guidelines, the recovered products were subsequently destroyed to prevent further illegal activities.
Captain Folorunsho emphasized that this action demonstrates the Nigerian Navy's renewed momentum in combating crude oil theft and other maritime crimes. He highlighted the importance of continuous patrols, enhanced surveillance, and inter-agency collaboration in protecting critical national assets and safeguarding Nigeria's economic interests in the maritime domain.
