British High Commission Denies Arrested Arms Suspect Is a Serving UK Soldier

The British High Commission has firmly refuted claims linking a man arrested in Delta State for alleged illegal arms procurement to the United Kingdom’s active military service.

The controversy began after a coalition of civil society organizations and Niger Delta stakeholders submitted a petition to the High Commission, warning of an alleged plot to destabilize Warri, Delta State. At the centre of the allegations is Micah Polo, a Nigerian-born man previously identified as a major in the British Army.

According to reports, Polo was arrested following a covert operation by the Department of State Services (DSS) operatives in Delta State. The operation, conducted near Asaba last Friday, allegedly uncovered a cache of weapons, including over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition. Authorities claim Polo was apprehended in Lagos as he attempted to flee the country aboard a UK-bound flight.

The petitioners have called on the British government to collaborate with Nigerian authorities to expose Polo’s alleged network of collaborators, several of whom are reportedly still at large.

In response, the British High Commission stated on Wednesday, distancing the UK military from Polo.

“The individual identified in recent Nigerian media reporting is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces,” the statement read.

The Commission clarified that Polo had served in the UK armed forces reserves, but only as a junior-ranking officer, not as a commissioned officer, and has since been discharged.

“Whilst in the Reserves, he was a junior rank, not a commissioned officer,” the statement emphasised.

Citing legal obligations under the UK’s common law and Data Protection Act, the High Commission said it could not release further details about Polo’s service or status.