The SSS faces mounting pressure to release British officer Major Micah Polo, arrested over a Delta arms stockpile, as officials and palace allies lobby amid rising insecurity concerns.
The State Security Service (SSS) is facing mounting pressure to release Major Micah Polo, a British army officer arrested over an arms stockpile uncovered in Delta State, Peoples Gazette has learned.
The SSS said Mr Polo, linked to Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, was arrested last Wednesday in Lagos while attempting to flee the country. His arrest followed the discovery of 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition in Asaba.
Two SSS sources told The Gazette that Delta State governor’s office and associates of the Olu of Warri have urged Mr Polo’s release. Agents vowed the case would not be “swept under the carpet” amid Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
The Olu of Warri did not respond to requests for comment. Attempts to reach SSS and Delta State officials were unsuccessful.
Abalagha Adawari of the Niger Delta Environmental Justice Coalition praised the arrest, warning: “The perpetrators and their sponsors must face justice to prevent any resurgence of violence in our communities.”