FG’s Reaction to Shooting Order by Chinese Expat

FG Responds to Chinese Expat’s Order to Shoot Officer

​The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed strong condemnation following an incident in which a Chinese expatriate allegedly ordered the shooting of a Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) officer who was performing official duties. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, addressed the situation during a stakeholders’ sensitization workshop on the implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025. He emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and constitute an attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty.

The incident reportedly occurred when the NIS officer visited a Chinese-owned company to verify expatriate documentation. During this routine check, the company’s owner allegedly instructed a security officer to shoot the immigration official, resulting in the officer sustaining injuries.

Minister Tunji-Ojo underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that such behavior would not be tolerated and that the government would take up the matter with the Chinese Embassy. He highlighted the importance of respecting Nigerian officials and laws, noting that similar actions would be unthinkable in other countries.

In response to this and similar incidents, the Nigerian government is automating its immigration monitoring systems, including the White, Grey, and Black lists, to better track foreign nationals’ activities within the country. Additionally, a new expatriate administration system is set to be introduced on May 1, with a three-month window for compliance, after which enforcement actions, including prosecution and deportation, will commence. ​