The Nigerian Navy has handed over two men suspected of impersonating naval officers to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for further investigation in Calabar, Cross River State.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Navy said the suspects were arrested by personnel of the Nigerian Navy Ship Victory on 10 March after they were found wearing military camouflage and carrying what appeared to be fake naval identity cards.
According to the statement, the suspects were identified as David Norbert Aleji and Francis Gideon Isaac.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Aleji allegedly posed as a Nigerian Navy Lieutenant, while Isaac claimed to be a Midshipman.
Both men reportedly told officers they were serving personnel attached to NNS Sagbama.
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According to the Navy, further inquiries revealed that Aleji had previously undergone training at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron and was believed to be the coordinator of the impersonation.
Investigators added that the recruited Isaac, who lives with him, to take part in the scheme.
A search of 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 the uniforms and accessories were purchased, while the identification cards were self-produced.
They have now been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the NPF in Calabar for possible prosecution, the statement added.
Reaffirming its position, the Nigerian Navy said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Service and urged members of the public to report cases of impersonation, describing such acts as criminal and damaging to the Navy’s reputation.