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Abuja – The British High Commission denies claims that a Briton arrested in Nigeria arms operation involves a serving member of the UK military. Reports in Nigerian media recently linked a British Army officer to buying illegal arms. The commission has now spoken about these reports.
A spokesperson for the commission stated clearly, “The individual identified in recent Nigerian media reporting is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces.” This statement provides an official response to the claims.
What the Commission Says About the Briton
The commission explained who the person is. The individual previously served in the UK Armed Forces Reserves. This is a part-time military force. He held a junior rank during his time there. He was not a commissioned officer. The commission confirmed, “Whilst in the Reserves he was a junior rank not a commissioned officer.” The commission added that the person has since left the Reserves.
Due to rules protecting personal facts, like the UK’s Data Protection Act, the commission cannot share more details about people who are or were in the military.
Reported Arms Procurement Operation Stopped
News reports had suggested the British person was buying weapons and ammunition. These arms were reportedly meant to worsen local conflict in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly stopped this plan. The DSS arrested the person selling the arms. They seized weapons, including over 50 AK-47 rifles and 3,000 rounds of ammunition. This action by the DSS aimed to prevent the arms from reaching their buyers.
By Kayode Ojo
