Using external sad password protected format

I have a MacBook Air a1369 that I had to pull SSD because it wouldn’t allow me to access administrative options was locked could not shut it off or use recovery mode was given to me because owner had been deployed to Middle East 2 Yrs and forgot all password info never used hint option either so I have removed it installed in a external enclosure. But although I can’t see the drive with this utility I can’t seem to access it with recovery mode Or partitioning erase, resize, nothing is there something I’m missing here I am new to this. My Thinking was to format this ssd nearby bypassing any administrative issues and install back into the macbook then install the os. But I’m. Now of the opinion there must be some kind of administrative block even when removed from the original computer I Believe it was running Either Sierra or High Sierra any help would be appreciated thank you

Doug