Arms scandal: Nigerian CSOs pressure UK govt to probe British Major

Arms scandal: Nigerian CSOs pressure UK govt to probe British Major

A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria has intensified pressure on the British Government to collaborate fully with Nigerian authorities in launching a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a British Army Major, Micah Polo, arrested over alleged illegal arms procurement aimed at fueling unrest in Delta State.

In a letter addressed to the British High Commissioner in Abuja, dated April 28, 2025, the coalition emphasized the urgent need to investigate Major Polo’s alleged actions and any possible ties with groups seeking to destabilize 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.

Speaking to reporters after submitting the letter, Dr. Gabriel stressed that full collaboration from the British authorities is critical to safeguarding security and democratic stability in Nigeria and the broader West African region.

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The coalition comprises several prominent organizations, including 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.

The CSOs called on the British Government to intensify efforts to trace the origins of the recovered firearms and ammunition to prevent similar incidents in the future.

They also urged for stringent background checks on arms trafficking routes and tighter controls on military assets to ensure they are not diverted for illegal purposes.

Beyond immediate investigations, the coalition appealed for sustained UK support towards Nigeria’s peace and security efforts, particularly in regions historically prone to conflict.

They warned that rising cases of politically and ethnically motivated violence require vigilance and proactive international cooperation.

The civil society groups further demanded assurances that any British nationals implicated in illegal arms trafficking in Nigeria would face the full weight of British and international law.

They cautioned that failure to act decisively could embolden further violations and harm the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Their call to action follows a major security breakthrough on April 25, 2025, when operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) conducted a covert operation near Asaba, Delta State.

The operation led to the seizure of 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition.

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During the sting operation, associates of Major Polo were arrested in Asaba, while the Major himself was apprehended in Lagos as he attempted to flee the country.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the recovered weapons were allegedly intended to stoke unrest in Warri, Delta State, amid tensions surrounding the delineation of wards and polling units by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Major Polo is alleged to have close ties with a prominent first-class traditional ruler in Delta State, raising serious concerns about the involvement of influential figures in fomenting regional instability.

The coalition warned that the incident not only references a troubling pattern of illegal arms inflow but also raises questions about professional standards within the British military.

They noted that the involvement of a foreign military officer in such activities within Nigeria’s borders demands urgent and decisive action.

They stressed that swift cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is vital to ensuring accountability, halting arms proliferation, and preserving the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The coalition, however, expressed optimism that a collaborative approach would lead to a thorough investigation and meaningful action, ultimately helping to promote peace, security, and stability in Nigeria.

Copies of the coalition’s correspondence were also sent to the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Abuja.

Arms scandal: Nigerian CSOs pressure UK govt to probe British Major