Navy Hands Over Two Suspected Impersonators to Police in Calabar
The Nigerian Navy has handed over two suspected naval impersonators to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution in Calabar, Cross River State.
The suspects, identified as David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac, were arrested by personnel of NNS Victory on March 10 after they were found dressed in military camouflage and in possession of suspected fake military identification cards.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the police in Calabar.
In a statement issued by the Director of Naval Information, Captain Abiodun Folorunsho, preliminary findings showed that Aleji allegedly paraded himself as a lieutenant of the Nigerian Navy, while Isaac impersonated a midshipman.
Both suspects reportedly claimed to be serving aboard NNS Sagbama.
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Further investigation revealed that Aleji, who had previously undergone some training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria in Oron, was the mastermind of the impersonation scheme and had recruited Isaac, who resides with him.
The Navy said a search conducted at their residence led to the recovery of additional military-related items, including a jungle hat and a pair of boots.
The suspects reportedly admitted that they purchased the uniforms and accessories and produced the identification cards themselves.
The Navy reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity and reputation of the service and warned that impersonation of military personnel constitutes a criminal offence.
It also urged members of the public to report such acts to relevant authorities, noting that impersonation undermines the credibility of the armed forces and brings the service into disrepute.
By PRNigeria
