Investigation has revealed that a Chinese company is not responsible for the shooting of an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, in Minna, Niger State, the Federal Government disclosed on Friday.

It was earlier reported that the Immigration officer was demanding evidence of work permit for staff members of the Chinese company when he was shot by an employee of the firm.

The employee was said to have shot the officer on the orders of a Chinese businessman, the owner of the company.

Speaking at a stakeholders sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the Nigeria Visa policy (NVP) 2025, in Abuja, Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had condemned the development, describing it as unacceptable.

The minister said the Federal Government would take up the matter with the Chinese company.

However, a statement released on Friday by Alao Babatunde, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Interior, said investigation has revealed that the Chinese company was not responsible for the shooting of the Immigration officer.

The statement said the officer was hit by a stray bullet.

The statement titled ‘Re: Alleged shooting of Immigration personnel’, read: “Following the report of the alleged shooting of an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Niger State, further investigations have revealed that the officer was hit by a stray bullet that was neither shot on the order of the Chinese company nor its employee.

“A full-fledged investigation has been launched into the shooting of the personnel in collaboration with other security agencies. This is to unravel the detailed circumstances surrounding the shooting while giving assurance that anyone found culpable will be brought to book.

“The minister reaffirms his strong commitment to ensuring the safety, dignity, and professional integrity of all law enforcement officers.

“He emphasizes the government’s ongoing support for law-abiding businesses in Nigeria and reiterates the Ministry of Interior’s dedication to fostering strong partnerships with foreign nationals, aiming to build sustainable collaboration for social economic development.”