The British High Commission in Nigeria has denied reports that a serving member of the United Kingdom Armed Forces is involved in an alleged arms trafficking operation aimed at stoking unrest in Nigeria’s Niger Delta region.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Commission clarified that the suspect referenced in Nigerian media reports is not a serving soldier, but rather a former junior-ranking member of the UK Armed Forces Reserves who has since been discharged.
“The individual identified in recent Nigerian media reporting is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces,” the High Commission stated.
It further emphasized that the individual never held the rank of commissioned officer, and as such was not in a position of command or strategic authority within the military during his time of service.
Citing the UK’s Data Protection Act and common law obligations, the Commission declined to release further personal details about the suspect, underscoring its legal duty to protect the privacy of both current and former personnel.
The denial comes amid mounting public concern following reports by The PUNCH that a British Army officer was allegedly involved in a covert plot to supply arms and ammunition for destabilizing activities in the oil-rich Delta region.
According to sources, DSS operatives in Delta State intercepted the illegal arms operation on Friday night, seizing a cache including over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition during an undercover sting in Asaba.
While the primary suspect was reportedly arrested in Lagos as he attempted to flee the country, several of his associates were taken into custody at the Asaba exchange point.
In response to the incident, a coalition of Niger Delta leaders and civil society groups staged a protest at the British High Commission on Monday. They urged the UK government to fully cooperate with Nigerian authorities, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), in investigating the broader network involved in the arms procurement scheme.
They also called for a transparent inquiry to expose any collaborators still operating within or outside the country.
The High Commission has not confirmed whether it is currently working with Nigerian security agencies on the matter.
