UK Disowns Ex-Reservist Arrested in Nigeria Over Arms Smuggling

|By Babatunji Wusu-

The British government has distanced itself from one Major Micah Polo, who was recently arrested by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with a major arms smuggling operation.

Polo was intercepted in Lagos while attempting to board a flight to the United Kingdom, following a covert DSS operation in Asaba, Delta State. During the operation, authorities apprehended an arms supplier and several associates, seizing a significant weapons cache that included over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition.

In a statement released on 30th April 2025, the British High Commission clarified that Polo is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces. He was previously enlisted as a junior rank in the UK Armed Forces Reserves but has since been discharged. Notably, he never held a commissioned officer status.

The UK’s response comes amid heightened scrutiny of international links to arms trafficking networks in Nigeria.