UK Govt Urged To Collaborate On Probe Of British Army Major In Alleged Arms Trafficking

A coalition of civil society organisations in Nigeria has called on the British Government to collaborate fully with Nigerian authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a British Army Major arrested over alleged illegal arms procurement intended to exacerbate tensions in Delta State.

In a letter dated April 28, 2025, the Coalition addressed the British High Commissioner in Abuja and stressed the urgent need to investigate Major Micah Polo’s activities and any potential links he may have with groups intent on fuelling unrest in Nigeria.

The letter was jointly signed by Dr. Nwambu Gabriel, Leader of the coalition; Zekeri Momoh-Saliu, Secretary; Mohammed Idris, Member; and Hugo Okafor, Member.

Addressing reporters after submitting the letter to the British High Commission in Abuja, Dr Gabriel, emphasised that such collaboration is essential to maintaining security and democratic stability in the region.

The coalition‘s organisations include the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Coalition for Democratic Watchdogs, Initiative for Voter Awareness and Electoral Reforms, and the Global Centre for Conscience Living Against Corruption.

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The CSOs further urged the British Government to intensify efforts to trace the origins of the firearms and ammunition recovered, to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

They underscored the importance of thorough background checks on arms trafficking routes and tighter controls on military assets to ensure they are not diverted for unlawful purposes.

In addition, the coalition appealed for sustained support from the United Kingdom towards Nigeria’s efforts to maintain peace and security, particularly in regions historically vulnerable to conflict.

They stressed that external support and vigilance are crucial in bolstering Nigeria’s internal security architecture amid growing concerns of politically and ethnically motivated violence.

The civil society groups also called for assurances that any nationals of the United Kingdom found to be involved in illegal arms procurement and trafficking in Nigeria would be held accountable to the fullest extent of British and international law.

They noted that failure to act decisively could embolden further violations and damage bilateral relations between the two countries.

The call to action follows a significant security development on April 25, 2025, when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) carried out a covert operation near Asaba, Delta State, resulting in the seizure of 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition.