The China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria (CGCCN) has denied claims attributed to Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, suggesting that a Chinese company was responsible for the shooting of an immigration officer in Niger State.
In a statement issued by its Director-General, Dr. Cui Guangzhen, the Chamber clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident, which took place on February 21, 2025, in Minna.
According to the CGCCN, an investigation by the Chamber revealed that the event occurred during a police operation aimed at apprehending a local citizen suspected of stealing iron rods from a Chinese company.
“When faced with strong resistance from the suspect, a police officer discharged a firearm, and the bullet inadvertently struck a passerby, later identified as an immigration officer,” the statement said.
Recall that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had on Wednesday during a media briefing in Abuja, condemned the shooting of an immigration officer allegedly on the orders of a Chinese company operating in Nigeria, describing it as an “attack on Nigeria,” and vowing to escalate the matter to the highest diplomatic level, particularly with the Chinese authorities.
The Chamber however described the allegation that a Chinese company employee ordered the shooting of a Nigerian immigration officer as utterly false.
“Neither Chinese citizens nor Chinese companies were involved in the incident. The Chinese companies in Nigeria abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria and are committed to the economic and social development of Nigeria.
“The China General Chamber of Commerce is saddened by the incident and sincerely wishes the injured a quick recovery,” the statement added.
