Attack On Nigerian Sovereignty: FG Promises Strong Retaliation Against Chinese Firm For Shooting

Speaking at the Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on the Implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 in Abuja on Thursday, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the incident in Niger State as a direct violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty. He emphasized that the government intends to address the issue with the Chinese Embassy, stressing that such actions will not be tolerated in any sovereign nation.

The minister also highlighted that the federal government is advancing immigration reforms, including the automation of White, Grey, and Blacklists, to efficiently monitor and blacklist foreign individuals who may pose a security threat.

Tunji-Ojo expressed his outrage, stating, “I will not visit any country, establish a company, and instruct the immigration service not to operate. I won’t do that.

“I won’t mention the company, but they shot one of our immigration officers after directing their security to do so. A foreign company did this? This happened weeks ago in Niger, and we will address it with the Chinese embassy because it was a Chinese firm behind it.”

He continued, “I would never go to China as a Nigerian, enter a company, and instruct their security to shoot a government official in uniform. This is a global breach of protocol and an attack on Nigeria.”

Tunji-Ojo further stressed the gravity of the incident, stating, “This is an injustice, and we are taking it seriously. These officers risk their lives to serve our country. No one, from anywhere, will come to our land and shoot them. That officer is a father, a husband, and a son—his life matters.”

The minister also revealed that starting on May 1, 2025, Nigeria will introduce an Expatriate Administration System to monitor all foreign workers. He noted that a three-month grace period will be given for compliance, after which violators will face enforcement, prosecution, and potential deportation.

“We will not tolerate the abuse of our immigration protocols. We welcome foreign workers, but only if they comply with our laws,” Tunji-Ojo warned.