British High Commission: Delta Weapon Smuggler Linked to Olu of Warri Not a Serving Member of UK Armed Forces
Abuja, Nigeria — The British High Commission has issued a public clarification on the identity and military status of Major Micah Polo, the man arrested in connection with a massive arms cache uncovered by the State Security Service (SSS) in Delta State last week. Contrary to earlier reports and speculation linking him to the United Kingdom’s active military force, the High Commission stated unequivocally that Mr Polo is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces.
Former Reserve, Not Active Duty
According to an official statement released on Wednesday, the High Commission revealed that Mr Polo had previously served as a junior rank in the UK Armed Forces Reserves but had since been discharged from service.
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“The individual identified in recent Nigerian media reporting is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces,” the statement read.
“The individual identified did serve as a junior rank in the UK Armed Forces Reserves but was discharged.”
The British authorities emphasised that Mr Polo was not a commissioned officer and only held a junior post while he was in the military reserves — a distinct category from full-time or active duty service. The High Commission further cited legal constraints in releasing additional details about the suspect due to the UK’s Data Protection Act and common law obligations.
“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.”
Arrest and Seizure of Arms in Delta State
The SSS last week carried out a successful covert operation in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, leading to the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a large stockpile of dangerous weapons. The seizure included:
- 50 AK-47 rifles
- 6 pump-action shotguns
- Over 3,000 rounds of ammunition
The agency identified Mr Polo as the principal suspect in the illegal arms operation, which it believes may have broader implications for national security amid persistent insecurity across the country.
Mr Polo was arrested in Lagos on Wednesday, April 24, 2025, as he allegedly attempted to flee Nigeria to evade arrest. Authorities have not confirmed his intended destination.
Political Pressure and Alleged Link to Olu of Warri
Following the high-profile arrest, reports emerged that the 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. According to Peoples Gazette, unnamed officials in the Delta State Government House and close allies of the traditional ruler have allegedly sought to influence the investigation.
While the High Commission made no comments about these alleged connections, the State Security Service maintained that it would not yield to external pressure or allow the case to be compromised.
“We will not sweep this case under the carpet,” a senior SSS official told reporters under condition of anonymity.
“No one is above the law. With the security challenges Nigeria is currently facing, arms smuggling and illegal stockpiling cannot and will not be tolerated.”
National Security Implications
The discovery of such a large cache of weapons raises serious concerns over the proliferation of small arms in Nigeria, particularly in regions already battling armed banditry, cult violence, and secessionist movements.
Security analysts suggest that the arms may have been intended for political thuggery or militant activity ahead of the next election cycle or to fuel ongoing unrest in the Niger Delta. Others believe the haul may be part of a larger transnational smuggling operation involving both local and foreign actors.
UK-Nigeria Security Cooperation
While distancing itself from Mr Polo’s actions, the British High Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, arms trafficking, and organised crime.
“The United Kingdom continues to work closely with Nigerian authorities in the area of security cooperation, intelligence sharing, and border control. Illegal arms proliferation is a global threat, and we are committed to supporting Nigeria in addressing this menace.”
UK-Nigeria security cooperation has strengthened in recent years, especially following the expansion of bilateral defence arrangements, counter-terrorism training, and maritime security operations in the Gulf of Guinea.
Public Outcry and Demand for Accountability
Civil society groups and local residents have expressed outrage over the revelation, urging the federal government to ensure that the suspect is prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Several advocacy organisations called for an independent probe into how the arms were smuggled and who else might be involved in the network.
Concerned Citizens for National Security, a non-governmental group based in Abuja, issued a statement demanding transparency:
“This case must not be buried. The SSS must reveal the source of the arms, identify every accomplice, and prosecute all parties involved. The rule of law must prevail over any political or traditional interference.”
Background on Micah Polo
Little is known publicly about Micah Polo beyond his brief service in the UK military reserves. Sources familiar with the investigation say he holds dual Nigerian-British citizenship and has been involved in several undisclosed business dealings between the UK and the Niger Delta region. Authorities have yet to confirm whether these businesses are legitimate or connected to the smuggling ring.
Further revelations are expected in the coming days as investigators dig deeper into Polo’s network, financing, and possible links to local power brokers.
What Happens Next?
As of this report, Mr Polo remains in SSS custody and is expected to be charged under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention) Act and the Firearms Act. A formal court proceeding is anticipated once the preliminary investigation is concluded.
Legal experts say that if found guilty, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty, depending on the charges filed and the court’s ruling.
Meanwhile, pressure continues to mount on the government to maintain transparency, prevent elite interference, and ensure that Nigeria’s territorial security is not further compromised.
What you should know
The arrest of a former UK military reserve linked to a massive weapons stockpile in Delta State has shaken the country’s security architecture and sparked renewed concerns about the influx of arms into Nigeria. While the British High Commission has distanced itself from the suspect, affirming that he no longer serves in any military capacity, the Nigerian government now faces a critical test of its commitment to justice, law enforcement integrity, and national security.
Credit: Peoples Gazette, TJ News Nigeria
