The China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria has dismissed allegations linking a Chinese company to the shooting of an immigration officer in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement released on Thursday night, the chamber, through its Director General, Cui Guangzhen, expressed deep concern over remarks made by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, who condemned the shooting and implied that it was ordered by a Chinese firm.
According to the chamber, investigations conducted following the incident, which occurred on February 21, 2025, revealed that the shooting was an unfortunate consequence of a botched police operation, not an act ordered by any Chinese company or citizen.
The chamber cited a police report from Niger State to support its claim, emphasizing that Chinese nationals and companies had no involvement in the incident.
The statement read, “The China General Chamber of Commerce attached great importance to the reports and conducted an immediate investigation. Based on findings from the police authorities in Niger State, the incident occurred during a police action aimed at arresting local citizens suspected of stealing iron rods from a Chinese company.
“When the police encountered strong resistance from the suspects, one officer fired a shot, which accidentally hit a passerby—later identified as an immigration officer.”
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The chamber expressed sympathy for the injured officer and wished her a swift recovery, while reiterating its commitment to adhering to Nigerian laws and contributing positively to the country’s development.
Similarly, a police report obtained by our correspondent, signed by Ibrahim Adamu, Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Niger State, revealed that the Surveillance Unit of the ‘A’ Division Police Station, Minna, had been deployed to Government Day Secondary School on Bosso Road to prevent a potential student protest.
“On their way back to the station, the officers reportedly received information from a police constable about suspected theft involving laborers at a Chinese construction company.
“Acting on the tip-off without notifying their superiors, the officers proceeded to the Limawa area to apprehend the suspects.
“However, they encountered violent resistance from unidentified locals, resulting in a chaotic struggle. In the heat of the confrontation, one of the officers discharged his weapon, and the stray bullet struck an immigration officer who was passing by on a motorcycle”, the report said.
According to the Police, the injured officer, identified as a Yoruba woman attached to the Niger State Immigration Command, recounted that she was riding on a commercial motorcycle to the Barkin Sale area when she heard a gunshot and felt a sharp pain in her right buttock.
“Realizing she had been hit by a stray bullet, she was rushed to IBB Specialist Hospital, Minna, where she underwent surgery and remained in critical condition for several days.
“Public outrage erupted as news of the incident spread, with many questioning the professionalism and accountability of the police officers involved”,it noted.
The Police also noted that contrary to the Minister of Interior’s claim that the officer was on legitimate duty, the victim clarified that she was merely passing by when the incident occurred.
The Niger State Police Command acknowledged the mishandling of the situation and confirmed that three officers involved had been arrested and placed under investigation.
The report criticized the officers’ actions as reckless and unprofessional, highlighting several lapses, including their failure to properly document the operation or inform superiors, inadequate manpower for a volatile area, and improper firearm handling, which led to the accidental discharge.
The report further revealed that the Dangote-branded patrol vehicle used by the officers was abandoned during the confrontation and subsequently vandalized by a mob.
“The officers had also taken the vehicle without obtaining the necessary approval from the Commissioner of Police”, it added.
The Police also condemned the incident as an embarrassment to the force, recommending disciplinary measures, including an orderly room trial for the involved officers and sanctions against their superior for inadequate supervision.
In response, the Niger State Police Command has assured the public that the case will be thoroughly investigated and that those found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary actions.
