Nigeria Threatens Diplomatic Action Over Shooting of Immigration Officer At Chinese Firm

Nigerian government may escalate a diplomatic dispute with the Republic of China over the shooting of a Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) officer at a Chinese-owned company in Jos, Plateau State.

Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, revealed the incident at a stakeholders’ sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 in Abuja on Thursday, calling it an unacceptable attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Tunji-Ojo claims that the officer, who was on official duty to verify the company’s expatriate list, was shot by a security officer on the premises on the orders of the company owner.

The Minister was outraged, saying that such an act would never be tolerated.

“I will not travel to China as a Nigerian, establish a company, and instruct my security to shoot a government official in uniform. Tunji-Ojo declared, “It has never been done anywhere in the world.”

“These officers put their lives on the line. These officers are dedicated to serving their country. And you will not come from anywhere to ask them to shoot them in their homeland.”

The Minister warned that if the allegations are proven true, the government will withdraw the company’s business permit and declare it illegal.

“This will not happen again. So we are going to be very tough. We will not stop your business. We will not overburden your business. But do not make us inferior in our own country. “No, please.”

Tunji-Ojo emphasised the incident’s personal impact, emphasising the officer’s role as a father, son, and husband, and reaffirming the government’s commitment to citizen safety.

“That immigration officer was not shot by a terrorist. He is a father and a son to someone. He is a husband to someone. That cannot occur anywhere in the world.”

He said, “We will not tolerate it. Please, no agent or company is above the law.

However, the Chinese business community in Nigeria has denied the Minister’s claims.

Dr Cui Guangzhen, the Director General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, has issued a statement denying that a Chinese national ordered the shooting.

According to the statement, based on findings from the Niger State police authority, the incident occurred on February 21, 2025, in Minna, Niger State, rather than Jos.

It also claims that the shooting was unintentional, occurring during a police operation to apprehend local residents suspected of stealing iron rods from a Chinese company.

A police officer allegedly shot a passerby, who was later identified as an immigration officer.

“The incident did not involve any Chinese citizens or companies. “The allegation that a Chinese company employee ordered the shooting of a Nigerian immigration officer is completely false,” the statement says.

“Chinese companies in Nigeria follow Nigerian laws and regulations and are committed to the country’s economic and social development.”

The divergent narratives of the Nigerian government and the Chinese business community highlight the complexities of the situation. Investigations are likely to continue to determine the facts of the incident and who was responsible.

The possibility of a serious diplomatic rift remains high, depending on the results of the ongoing investigations and the subsequent actions taken by both governments.