British High Commission Clarifies Status Of Alleged UK Soldier Arrested In Delta State.
The British High Commission has denied claims that Micah Polo, a man arrested in Delta State for alleged illegal arms procurement, is a serving member of the UK military. A coalition of Niger Delta stakeholders and civil society organizations had petitioned the High Commission to investigate Polo, who was reportedly identified as a major in the British army.
However, the High Commission stated that Polo is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces. While he did serve in the UK Armed Forces Reserves, he held a junior rank and was not a commissioned officer. The High Commission further clarified that Polo had been discharged from the reserves.
Polo was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Delta State last week during a covert operation. Over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition were seized. He was reportedly about to board a flight to the UK from Lagos when he was apprehended.
The petitioners have called on the British government to cooperate with the DSS to uncover Polo’s possible collaborators. The British High Commission emphasized its commitment to upholding the law but cited its legal duty to protect the privacy of current and former employees, limiting further disclosure on the matter.
