Chinese National, Five Others Arrested in Borno Over Terrorism Links

Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have arrested a Chinese national and five other suspects in Borno State for alleged links to terrorist activities, according to a statement made Friday by Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, at a briefing in Abuja.

The arrests were made during coordinated counter-terrorism operations conducted between June 5 and 7 in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Geidam in Yobe State. The Chinese national, whose identity was not disclosed, claimed to be a miner but was found in an active conflict zone under suspicious circumstances. The other five suspects, all Nigerian, are believed to be logistics suppliers and collaborators for terrorist groups.

Major General Kangye told reporters that the operation led to the recovery of a vehicle, a motorcycle, mobile phones, a Chinese international passport, and the sum of N10,000. He emphasized the unusual nature of the Chinese national’s presence in the area, stating that the military is scrutinizing anyone found in conflict zones during ongoing operations.

“The troops arrested five terrorist logistics suppliers, collaborators, and a Chinese national claiming to be a miner during well-coordinated operations,” Kangye said. “Items recovered include a vehicle, a motorcycle, mobile phones, a Chinese international passport, and the sum of N10,000.”

The suspects are currently in military custody and are undergoing interrogation. Investigators are working to determine the extent of their involvement with insurgent groups and the reasons for their presence in the region. The Defence Headquarters has pledged to keep the public informed as the investigation progresses.

The Defence Headquarters reiterated its commitment to transparency and ongoing efforts to ensure security and stability in Nigeria’s North-East.

Source: The Guardian