The British High Commission in Nigeria has denied claims that the Briton arrested in connection with arms smuggling was a serving member of the UK Armed Forces.

In an official statement released by the commission, a spokesperson for the High Commission clarified that the individual identified in recent reports is not currently serving in the UK military.

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

Further information provided by the commission revealed that the individual previously served as a junior rank in the UK Armed Forces Reserves and has since been discharged.

It was also confirmed that the person held no commissioned officer status during their time in service.

Citing obligations under the common law and the UK’s Data Protection Act, the commission stated that it cannot release additional personal details regarding current or former personnel.

It was earlier reported that a British Army officer was allegedly recruited to procure weapons and ammunition intended to fuel tribal tensions in the oil-rich region.

However, DSS operatives from the Delta Command foiled the move on Friday night and arrested the arms supplier during a covert exchange near Asaba, Delta State.

During the operation, over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.

The officer, on the other hand, was intercepted in Lagos as he attempted to board a flight to the UK, while his associates were apprehended in Asaba during the operation.