Why it matters:
The arrest of a foreign military officer with military-grade weapons inside Nigeria threatens to escalate diplomatic tensions and deepen concerns over foreign complicity in arming local militant groups that endanger national and regional security.
The big picture:
Operatives of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) intercepted Major Polo in a covert operation near Asaba, Delta State, seizing 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action guns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition.
He was later detained at Lagos airport while attempting to flee the country for the U.K..
The arrest comes amid persistent violence in Nigeria, fueled by groups like Boko Haram, Niger Delta militants, and secessionist factions.
What they’re saying:
HURIWA (Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria): The group demanded a full, transparent investigation, warning the arms cache posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s "fragile peace and democratic order."
Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA Coordinator: Expressed concern about Polo's alleged ties to a prominent traditional ruler, hinting at a possible broader conspiracy to destabilize the Warri Federal Constituency.
Ijaw Youth Council (IYC): Urged President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, Nigerian security agencies, and the British High Commission to collaborate in prosecuting all those involved.
Key points:
- Seized weapons include 50 AK-47s and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
- Civil society groups demand diplomatic transparency and justice.
- Allegations link the British officer to local political and militant networks.
- Citizens increasingly fear Western complicity in arming extremist and separatist factions across Nigeria.
Go deeper:
This incident comes amid broader scrutiny of international military involvement in Africa, particularly in regions battling terrorism, insurgency, and separatist violence. If verified, the allegations against Major Polo could spark diplomatic fallout between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, and may reignite public debates about the role of foreign actors in exacerbating domestic insecurity.
Mojtaba Darabi
