The British High Commission in Abuja has clarified that Major Micah Polo arrested in connection with the arms stockpile uncovered in Delta State last week was a junior rank in the UK Armed Forces.  

The commission in a statement on Wednesday clarified that Mr Polo was no longer in the UK Armed Forces.

It stated, “The individual identified in recent Nigerian media reporting is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces. The individual identified did serve as a junior rank in the UK Armed Forces Reserves but was discharged.”

The commission noted that Mr Polo was a junior rank and not a commissioned member of the UK Armed Forces while he was in the Reserves, adding that it couldn’t release extra details on the suspect based on its data protection policy regarding its past and current employees.

It added, “We have a common law and Data Protection Act duty to protect the personal details of our current and former employees and are therefore not able to release any additional information in this matter.’’

The clarification followed Peoples Gazette’s report that the State Security Services was under pressure from the Delta State governor’s office and other allies of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse, to release Mr Polo after being allegedly linked to the traditional ruler.

The secret police last week announced that Mr Polo was arrested in Lagos last Wednesday while attempting to flee Nigeria.

His arrest came shortly after the security agency recovered 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition during a covert operation in Asaba, Delta State, where Mr Polo’s associates were arrested. The security agency identified the Briton as the prime suspect, alongside several associates, in connection with the illegal arms supply.

The secret police, however, said it would not sweep the case under the carpet, especially amid the country’s security challenges, insisting that justice would be served.