Minister Tunji-Ojo Clarifies Alleged Shooting Incident Involving Nigerian Immigration Officer And Chinese Firm

Tunji-Ojo Reacts to Media Reports on Controversial Shooting Incident

Let me set the stage for you. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has recently addressed the media buzz surrounding an alleged shooting incident involving a Nigerian immigration officer and a Chinese-owned company in Niger State. The story has been making waves, but here’s the deal: the minister wants to make one thing crystal clear—this case is still under investigation, and any conclusions drawn at this point would be premature.

Clarifying the Minister's Stance

In a statement shared with Naija News on Friday morning, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Alao Babatunde, highlighted that while early investigations suggest the officer might have been hit by a stray bullet, it’s important to understand that the minister’s comments were more about expressing deep concern over the gravity of the allegations. Tunji-Ojo isn’t just throwing accusations around; he’s emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and how it impacts Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Addressing Stakeholders in Abuja

During a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Workshop on the Implementation of the Nigeria Visa Policy 2025 in Abuja on Thursday, Minister Tunji-Ojo touched on the incident. He described it as a blatant disregard for Nigeria’s authority. In no uncertain terms, he made it clear that the government plans to bring this matter to the attention of the Chinese Embassy. He emphasized that such behavior simply won’t be tolerated in any sovereign nation. Nigeria, like any other country, expects respect for its laws and its people.

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Now, let’s talk about the bigger picture. The minister also mentioned that the federal government is stepping up its immigration reforms. They’re introducing new systems to automate the White, Grey, and Blacklists to better monitor and quickly blacklist individuals who might pose a security risk. This isn’t just about one incident—it’s about ensuring the safety and integrity of the country as a whole.

Minister Tunji-Ojo’s Powerful Words

Here’s what the minister had to say, and trust me, it’s powerful: “I will not go to any country, open a company, and tell the immigration service they can’t come in. I won’t do that. I don’t want to mention the company here, but they shot one of our immigration officers. They told their security attaché to shoot our officer, and he did—a foreign company? That happened a couple of weeks ago in Niger, and we are going to take it up with the Chinese embassy because it’s a Chinese company. I won’t go to China as a Nigerian, enter a company, and tell my security to shoot a government official in uniform. It’s never done anywhere in the world. That alone is an attack on Nigeria.”

He continued, “This is unjust, and we are going to take it up. These officers put their lives on the line to serve this country, and no one will come from anywhere to shoot them in their fatherland. That officer is a father, a son, a husband—his life matters.”

Clarification from Babatunde

Following the minister’s statements, Babatunde issued a press release to clarify things. He reiterated that the minister’s words were aimed at underlining the importance of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the protection of its uniformed personnel. He also stressed that the investigation is ongoing and being handled by the appropriate security agencies. Any claims made so far should not be taken as final reports or judgments.

Babatunde went on to say, “The Minister is committed to upholding due process and has full confidence in the investigative procedures that are in place to uncover the truth and hold accountable those who need to be held responsible.”

Minister’s Commitment to Justice and Partnership

Furthermore, Babatunde noted, “It’s crucial to remember that the reference to the company’s nationality was based on preliminary information and does not represent an indictment. The Ministry is working closely with all stakeholders involved in the investigation. The Hon. Minister reaffirms his unwavering commitment to the safety, dignity, and professional integrity of all law enforcement officers. The government remains dedicated to supporting all law-abiding businesses operating within Nigeria.”

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And finally, he added, “The Minister reiterates the government’s determination to foster mutual relationships and partnerships with nationals of other countries, especially with the goal of building strong socioeconomic growth within the Nigerian space.”