The British High Commission has denied that a serving UK military officer is involved in an alleged arms deal in Nigeria, stating the individual in question is no longer part of the armed forces.
The British High Commission has denied media reports claiming that a serving UK military officer is involved in an alleged illegal arms procurement operation in Nigeria.
In a statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson clarified that the individual “is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces.”
Further details confirmed the person was previously a junior rank in the UK Armed Forces Reserves and had been discharged, holding no commissioned officer status.
“We have a common law and Data Protection Act duty to protect the personal details of our current and former employees and are therefore not able to release any additional information in this matter,” the statement added.
According to reports, the Department of State Services foiled a covert arms exchange in Asaba, Delta State, seizing over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and 3,000 rounds of ammunition.
The suspect was arrested while attempting to flee Nigeria. Civil society groups have called on the UK to cooperate with the investigation.