The umbrella body of Ijaw youths worldwide, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has urged President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to thoroughly investigate and prosecute the alleged involvement of a British Army Major in arms trafficking to Delta State and Nigeria.
The council’s call followed recent security developments in the Niger Delta.
On April 25, 2025, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) conducted a covert operation near Asaba, Delta State, resulting in the seizure of 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition.
During the operation, associates of British Army Major Micah Polo were arrested in Asaba, while Major Polo himself was intercepted in Lagos as he attempted to board a flight to the United Kingdom.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Binebia Princewill, the IYC also called on the British High Commission in Nigeria to collaborate on a thorough investigation to ensure that all those involved, regardless of their status, face the full force of the law. Commending the DSS, the military, and other security agencies for their vigilance, Binebia emphasised the dangerous implications of smuggling arms and ammunition to create insecurity in Delta State, the Niger Delta, and Nigeria at large. The statement noted: “The DSS and Nigerian security agencies have consistently demonstrated bravery in protecting Nigerians, and the IYC is proud of our country’s security architecture.
“However, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, alongside all security agencies and the British High Commission in Nigeria, to collaborate on a thorough investigation and ensure that all involved face justice.
“The names of all individuals connected to this planned evil against humanity should be made public in national newspapers and on television.”
It added: “We will not allow this matter to be ignored. The guns and ammunition were intended to harm law-abiding and peaceful Ijaw people in Delta State. “It is crucial to recognise that the Ijaw people have always pursued peace and have been accommodating to our neighbours. No one should believe they have the right to incite violence, especially after the Supreme Court judgment and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s correction of years of electoral fraud in Warri Federal Constituency wards and polling units.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the security agencies must not overlook this crime of arms smuggling, as the Ijaw people are closely monitoring the situation. All those involved must face consequences.”
THE GUARDIAN
