Chinese National Arrested Over Terrorism in Borno Military Raid

A Chinese national has been arrested by Nigerian troops during a counter-terrorism operation in Borno State, according to the Defence Headquarters.

The individual, whose name was not disclosed, claimed to be a miner but was found in a region under military surveillance for terrorist activity. Authorities have placed him under interrogation to determine the nature of his presence and possible links to insurgents.

The arrest was part of a joint military operation conducted from June 5 to 7 in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Geidam in Yobe State.

During a press briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, confirmed the arrest along with five other suspects, who were identified as logistics suppliers and collaborators for terrorist groups.

Kangye raised concerns about the Chinese suspect’s intentions. “Why was he in an area of military operations? Anyone caught in such a setting must be properly investigated,” he stated.

The military noted that similar arrests had occurred recently, including four Pakistani nationals suspected of training terrorists in northern Nigeria.

Authorities promised to release further details after investigations are completed, including whether the Chinese man acted alone or had accomplices.