The Nigerian Army commenced a comprehensive investigation following the arrest of a Chinese national during a counter-terrorism operation in Borno State. The operation, conducted between June 5 and 7, targeted suspected terrorist logistics networks in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno, as well as Geidam in Yobe State. The suspect, identified as a male claiming to be a miner, was detained alongside five other individuals believed to be collaborators with terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s volatile Northeast region.
The Nigerian Army’s 7 Division, in coordination with the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), executed the operation based on credible intelligence regarding terrorist supply chains. During the raids, troops recovered a vehicle, a motorcycle, multiple mobile phones, a Chinese international passport, and ₦10,000 in cash from the suspects. Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized that the presence of a foreign national in an active military operation zone raised significant security concerns.
Initial interrogations revealed that the Chinese suspect claimed to be engaged in mining activities in the region. However, military authorities found this explanation questionable, given the area’s designation as a high-risk zone due to ongoing insurgent activities by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The suspect’s proximity to known terrorist strongholds prompted suspicions of possible collaboration or intelligence-sharing with insurgent groups.
The Nigerian Army is focusing its investigation on several key aspects of the case. First, investigators are examining the suspect’s travel history, including how and why he entered a restricted conflict zone. Second, they are analyzing the recovered mobile phones for communications that may link the suspect to terrorist networks or other illicit activities. Third, authorities are probing allegations that the individual may have provided technical expertise, such as drone operation support, to insurgents, though these claims remain unverified pending forensic analysis.
The operation also yielded critical intelligence about terrorist logistics networks in the Lake Chad Basin. The five other suspects, identified as local collaborators, were allegedly involved in supplying food, fuel, and other essentials to terrorist camps. Their arrests have disrupted a vital supply chain, dealing a blow to the operational capabilities of insurgent groups in the region.
Major General Kangye underscored the military’s commitment to uncovering the full extent of the Chinese national’s activities. He noted that foreign nationals operating in conflict zones without clear authorization are subject to rigorous scrutiny under Nigerian law. The investigation will determine whether the suspect’s presence was incidental or part of a broader scheme involving terrorist financing or technological support.
The Nigerian government has faced increasing scrutiny over the presence of foreign nationals in its mining sector, particularly in the Northeast, where illegal mining has been linked to terrorist financing. Reports from security analysts indicate that unregulated mining sites often serve as fronts for laundering money or procuring resources for insurgent groups. The arrest of the Chinese national has reignited debates about the need for stricter oversight of foreign involvement in Nigeria’s extractive industries.
Diplomatic implications are also under consideration, as the case involves a foreign citizen. The Nigerian Army has notified relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to ensure compliance with international protocols. While the Chinese embassy in Nigeria has not issued a public statement, sources indicate that consular officials have been informed and may engage with Nigerian authorities to clarify the suspect’s status.
The investigation is being conducted with utmost transparency, according to military officials, who have pledged to release a detailed report upon its conclusion. The Nigerian Army has also intensified surveillance in the region to prevent further infiltration by unauthorized individuals. Troops remain on high alert, with ongoing operations aimed at dismantling remaining terrorist networks in Borno and Yobe States.
This incident highlights the complex interplay of security, economic, and diplomatic challenges in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. The Northeast region, plagued by over a decade of insurgency, continues to grapple with the dual threats of violent extremism and illicit economic activities. The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy and its relations with foreign partners.
The Nigerian Army has called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies. Citizens are urged to provide information that could aid in the fight against terrorism and related crimes. As the investigation progresses, the military remains focused on ensuring justice and safeguarding national security.
