Chinese chamber replies Tunji-Ojo: Immigration officer hit by stray bullet from police

The China chamber of commerce has rejected allegations that a security officer attached to a Chinese firm shot a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer. 

An infuriated Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, said the incident happened in Niger state last month and described the shooting as an attack on Nigeria.

Tunji-Ojo, who spoke on Thursday, vowed tough action against the Chinese firm allegedly responsible.

However, in a statement on Friday, Cui Guangzhen, director general of the Chinese commerce chamber in Nigeria, denied the involvement of any Chinese citizen or firm in the incident.

Instead, Guangzhen blamed it on the Nigerian police.

“Our attention has been drawn to the reports that Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior condemned the shooting of an immigration officer allegedly on the orders of a Chinese company operating in Nigeria in a briefing on March 27,” the statement reads.

“The China General Chamber of Commerce attaches great importance to the reports and carried out an immediate investigation.

“Based upon the findings of police authority in Niger State, the incident mentioned by the Minister of Interior happened on the 21st of February, 2025 in Minna, Niger State.

“During a police action, the state police force was trying to effect an arrest of some local citizen who was suspected of stealing iron rods from a Chinese company.

“When encountering stiff resistance of the suspect, one of the police officers fired a shot and the bullet accidentally hit a passerby who was later identified to be an immigration officer.”

Guangzhen added that Chinese companies in Nigeria abide by the law and are committed to the economic and social development of the country.