Chinese government denies involvement in shooting of Nigerian immigration officer

The China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria has firmly rejected allegations that a security officer linked to a Chinese firm was responsible for the shooting of a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer in Niger State.

The incident, which occurred in February, sparked outrage, with Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, condemning it as an attack on Nigeria. Speaking on Thursday, Tunji-Ojo vowed to take decisive action against the firm allegedly involved.

However, in a swift rebuttal on Friday, Cui Guangzhen, Director General of the Chinese Commerce Chamber, denied any Chinese entity’s involvement, instead pointing fingers at the Nigerian police.

According to Guangzhou, an investigation by authorities in Niger State found that the February 21 incident in Minna stemmed from a police operation—not any action ordered by a Chinese company.

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“During a police operation, officers attempted to arrest a local citizen suspected of stealing iron rods from a Chinese company,” the statement read. “When the suspect resisted arrest, an officer fired a shot, which tragically struck a passerby—later identified as an immigration officer.”

Guangzhou emphasized that Chinese firms in Nigeria adhere to local laws and remain committed to the country’s economic and social progress.