A delegation representing Niger Delta stakeholders and a coalition of civil society organizations converged upon the British High Commission in Abuja on Monday, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of a British Army officer, Major Micah Polo, in an arms procurement scheme and a purported plot to incite unrest in Warri, Delta State. The delegation presented a petition formally requesting the British government’s cooperation with the Nigerian Department of State Services (DSS) to identify and apprehend Polo’s accomplices, some of whom remain at large. The incident, initially reported by The PUNCH newspaper, alleges that Polo, of Itsekiri origin, was recruited by an individual identified as Collins to acquire weapons and ammunition with the intention of escalating ethnic conflicts within the volatile, oil-rich Niger Delta region.
The DSS, operating from its Delta State Command, reportedly thwarted the operation on a Friday night, intercepting the arms supplier and confiscating a substantial arsenal near Asaba. The seized cache included over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition. Polo himself was apprehended in Lagos as he attempted to flee to the United Kingdom, while his alleged associates were detained in Asaba during the operation.
The delegation, led by Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, cannot tolerate treacherous individuals, particularly foreign military officers, fomenting chaos within its borders. Nwambu appealed to the UK government to actively assist the DSS in conducting a comprehensive investigation, ensuring that all those implicated in the plot are brought to justice. The discovery of such a large quantity of weapons in the possession of individuals with vested interests in local conflicts raises significant concerns about the potential for escalating violence and instability in the region.
The delegation’s petition underscores the gravity of the alleged offense, highlighting the potential for devastating consequences if the alleged plot had succeeded. The acquisition and deployment of such a large arsenal could have fueled existing ethnic tensions, sparking widespread violence and further destabilizing the already volatile Niger Delta. The region, crucial to Nigeria’s oil production, has a long history of unrest fueled by grievances over resource control, environmental degradation, and perceived neglect by the government. The introduction of a significant influx of weapons could have exacerbated these tensions, potentially leading to significant loss of life and further disruption to the nation’s oil output.
The stakeholders’ appeal for British cooperation reflects the international dimension of the alleged plot. The involvement of a British Army officer raises questions about potential external influence in the region’s internal conflicts. The delegation’s request for a thorough investigation into Polo’s activities and his connections to groups seeking to exploit existing tensions is crucial to understanding the full scope of the alleged conspiracy and preventing similar incidents in the future. The investigation should also aim to identify the source of the weapons and trace their journey to Nigeria, shedding light on the networks involved in arms trafficking within the region.
The incident underscores the complexities of security challenges facing Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta. The region’s strategic importance as the heart of the country’s oil industry makes it vulnerable to various forms of exploitation, including arms smuggling and the manipulation of local grievances for personal gain. The alleged involvement of a foreign military officer adds another layer of complexity, highlighting the potential for external actors to exploit existing fault lines within Nigerian society. The collaboration between the Nigerian and British authorities is therefore crucial to unraveling the full extent of this alleged plot and ensuring accountability for all those involved. The successful prosecution of those responsible will send a strong message that such actions will not be tolerated and contribute towards building greater stability and security within the Niger Delta.
