British Govt breaks silence on ?Army Officer? arrested by DSS for arms smuggling in Nigeria

The British Government has broken its silence on the British Army officer recently arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) for alleged arms trafficking operation recently uncovered in Delta State, Nigeria.

The British High Commission in Nigeria in a formal clarification issued yesterday, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, admitted that the suspect had links to the British Army but clarified that he was neither an officer nor is an active member of the UK Armed Forces.

?The individual identified in recent Nigerian media reporting is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces,? the statement said.

Providing further context, the High Commission explained that while the individual did have past ties to the British military, they served only as a junior rank in the UK Armed Forces Reserves and were later discharged. The person was not a commissioned officer at any point during their service.

Due to legal and privacy obligations under common law and the UK?s Data Protection Act, the Commission noted it is unable to disclose further personal details about the former service member.

The Commission urged media outlets to reflect this clarification accurately in their coverage, emphasizing the importance of factual reporting in matters of public interest and international concern.

For further inquiries regarding UK personnel, journalists are advised to contact the British High Commission?s Press and Public Affairs team directly.

Update news