The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed strong condemnation over the recent shooting of an Immigration officer by a Chinese businessman in Minna, Niger State. The incident, which occurred while the officer was performing his routine duty, has sparked outrage from government officials, who described the act as “unacceptable” and a direct attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, voiced the government’s anger during a stakeholders’ sensitization workshop on the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP) 2025 in Abuja on Thursday. Speaking on the gravity of the situation, the Minister stated that the act was a slap in the face of Nigeria and would not be tolerated.
The incident took place when the Immigration officer, who was carrying out his official duty, visited a Chinese-owned company in Minna to inspect the company’s expatriates and ensure that the necessary work permits for foreign workers were in place. As part of the Immigration officer’s job, he had the responsibility of ensuring that all foreign nationals working in Nigeria, including employees of foreign-owned companies, complied with the nation’s immigration laws.
According to reports, the officer was going about his duty when the owner of the company ordered one of the security personnel on the premises to shoot the Immigration officer. The security officer reportedly followed the order and shot the officer, causing serious injury. Thankfully, the officer survived the attack but was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo highlighted that the Immigration officer was carrying out his responsibilities as per Nigerian law, and it was disturbing that a foreign national could order such a violent action against a government official. He stressed that this type of behaviour would not be tolerated, as it undermined the authority of the Nigerian government.
Speaking passionately at the workshop, Dr. Tunji-Ojo made it clear that the Nigerian government would not let the incident slide. He declared that the matter would be taken up with the Chinese government. He noted that the attack on the officer was not only an affront to the individual but to Nigeria as a whole, as it involved a foreign national flagrantly disregarding the authority of the country.
“This is unacceptable,” Tunji-Ojo stated. “We are going to take this matter up with the Chinese government. An Immigration officer on routine duty visited a Chinese company and asked routine questions about work permits only for the Chinese businessman to instruct his security detail to shoot the officer. This is unacceptable, and we will go tough on that businessman and the Chinese authorities.”
The Minister further emphasized that such an incident would never happen in China. He pointed out that it would be inconceivable for a Nigerian businessman in China to act in a similar manner and order the shooting of a Chinese Immigration officer.
“It will never happen in China for a Nigerian businessman to order the shooting of a Chinese Immigration officer. This will not be tolerated here in Nigeria,” Tunji-Ojo declared, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting the integrity of its officers and ensuring that such a violation of Nigerian sovereignty was not repeated.
Dr. Tunji-Ojo also warned that the Nigerian government had the authority to take drastic actions against the Chinese businessman and his company. He stated that the Nigerian government could withdraw the company’s operating license and declare it illegal if the necessary actions were not taken by the business owner and authorities in China.
“I won’t go to China as a Nigerian, open a company and tell my security to shoot a government official in uniform. It’s never done anywhere in the world,” he said. “These officers put their lives on the line. They serve this country with their all. And you will not come from anywhere and ask them to shoot them in their fatherland.”
The Minister’s words sent a clear message to both foreign businesses operating in Nigeria and the international community at large: Nigeria would not tolerate any attempt to undermine its authority or mistreat its officials.
The shooting of the Immigration officer has raised concerns about the treatment of Nigerian officials by foreign nationals and businesses operating in the country. Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s remarks reflect a broader frustration with the growing trend of foreign companies flouting Nigerian laws and regulations, especially in relation to immigration and work permits.
The Minister’s call for accountability is also directed at ensuring that foreign businesses operating in Nigeria do so in a manner that respects the country’s laws and governance structures. He emphasized that Nigeria’s government officials, particularly those in positions of authority, should not face threats or violence while carrying out their duties.
It is not the first time that tensions have arisen between Nigerian authorities and foreign businesses in the country. While foreign investment plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy, it is essential that such investments align with Nigerian laws and regulations to foster a relationship built on mutual respect and fairness.
The incident also raises critical concerns about the safety and security of Immigration officers and other government officials who regularly interact with foreign nationals in the course of their duties. Immigration officers, like those in other law enforcement agencies, often face the risk of hostility and violence, particularly in situations involving foreign nationals who may be unfamiliar with or unwilling to comply with local laws.
The Federal Government has made it clear that it will continue to support its law enforcement officers and ensure their safety while performing their duties. Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s statement highlighted the sacrifices made by Nigerian officials to maintain law and order in the country, and the government’s firm resolve to defend their rights and ensure their protection.
As the matter develops, the Nigerian government has promised to pursue diplomatic efforts to address the situation. The Ministry of Interior is expected to engage with the Chinese government to ensure that justice is served, and that steps are taken to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Additionally, Nigerian authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and take the necessary actions to ensure that the Chinese businessman responsible for the shooting is held accountable. While the government has expressed its anger over the incident, it has also emphasized the importance of diplomatic engagement with China to resolve the matter amicably.
