The British High Commission has confirmed that the man linked to an alleged arms trafficking plot in Nigeria is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces, contrary to reports circulating in the media.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the commission explained that the individual named in Nigerian reports had previously served in the UK Armed Forces Reserves as a junior rank but was no longer in service. The commission also clarified that he never held the status of a commissioned officer.
According to the statement, the commission is unable to disclose further personal details due to legal obligations under the UK’s Data Protection Act and common law. These rules apply to both current and former personnel.
The clarification follows allegations involving a British Army officer, Major Micah Polo, said to be of Itsekiri origin, who was reportedly recruited by an individual named Collins to help procure weapons for a tribal conflict in the Niger Delta. However, security sources in Nigeria have indicated that the operation was intercepted by officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Delta State.
During the sting operation conducted near Asaba last Friday, authorities reportedly seized more than 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition. The suspect was arrested at the scene during what appeared to be a covert arms transaction.
The British High Commission’s statement aims to separate the current UK military establishment from the activities of the suspect, who is no longer connected to the armed forces.
