DHQ Confirms Arrest of Chinese National in Borno for Allegedly Aiding Terrorism
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrest of a Chinese national in Nigeria’s troubled northeast over allegations of aiding terrorist activities.
The arrest, which took place during a recent military operation in Borno State, raises serious concerns about foreign involvement in the country’s prolonged insurgency.
The suspect was apprehended by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, the Nigerian military’s joint counter-terrorism task force, during coordinated clearance operations carried out between June 5 and 7 in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as in Geidam, Yobe State.
According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the Chinese national was among several suspects arrested during the mission. Five Nigerian nationals were also detained on suspicion of providing logistics and other forms of support to members of Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“The Chinese individual claimed to be a miner,” Buba said. “He was arrested with items including a vehicle, motorcycle, mobile phones, his passport, and a small amount of cash. He is currently in custody and undergoing interrogation.”
While details surrounding his activities remain unclear, the military says investigations are ongoing to determine the nature of his presence in a high-risk area controlled or contested by insurgents. Authorities are particularly interested in whether the suspect acted alone or was part of a broader network.
“We are determined to get to the root of why a foreign national was operating in an insurgency zone,” Buba added. “If it is established that he knowingly supported terrorist elements, the full weight of the law will be applied.”
Military sources say the recent operation targeted terror logistics cells suspected of providing food, fuel, and transportation to militants. In addition to the arrests, troops reportedly recovered materials linked to ISWAP’s support system.
The mission also coincided with the surrender of several insurgents, including women and children, in parts of Borno.
Though the DHQ has yet to release the name of the Chinese suspect, the arrest has sparked discussion around the security implications of foreign nationals operating in insurgency-prone regions without adequate oversight. It may also raise diplomatic questions for Beijing, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Nigeria has long struggled to contain terrorism in the northeast, where extremist groups have waged war against the state for over a decade.
The military’s intensified efforts in recent months have led to a growing number of arrests and surrenders, but incidents like this highlight the complex, often transnational nature of the conflict.
The Defence Headquarters said a more detailed statement will follow once interrogation is complete and findings are verified.
