The China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria has refuted claims by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, that an immigration officer was shot allegedly on the orders of a Chinese company operating in Nigeria.

Daily Trust had reported how Tunji-Ojo, while speaking on Thursday in Abuja during a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on the Implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025, described the attack which occurred in Niger State as a direct assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty.

The minister warned that the government would escalate the issue with the Chinese Embassy, adding that such actions would not be tolerated in any sovereign nation.

But in a statement on Friday by its Director General, Dr. Cui Guangzhen, the chamber denied the involvement of any Chinese citizen or firm in the incident.

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Instead, Guangzhen blamed it on the Nigerian police.

The statement reads: “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 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.”

While stressing that “neither Chinese citizens nor Chinese companies were involved in the incident”, the chamber reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s laws and development

“Neither Chinese citizens nor Chinese companies were involved in the incident. The allegation that a Chinese company employee ordered the shooting of a Nigerian immigration officer is utterly false.

“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.”