Mathew Amaechi
In a significant development in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency, the Defence Headquarters announced today the arrest of a Chinese national during a counter-terrorism operation in Borno State. The individual, who claimed to be a miner, is currently in military custody and undergoing interrogation.
The arrest, made between June 5 and 7, 2025, in coordinated operations across Kukawa and Ngala LGAs of Borno State and Geidam LGA of Yobe State, comes less than a week after the military apprehended four Pakistani nationals suspected of training terrorists in the same region.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director, Defence Media Operations, disclosed the arrest at a briefing in Abuja on Friday. He stated that alongside the Chinese national, troops also apprehended five terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators. Recovered items included a vehicle, a motorcycle, mobile phones, a Chinese International passport, and a sum of N10,000.00.
General Kangye questioned the suspect’s presence in an active military operational area. “Anybody that is caught, just like you know with criminals, they will just deny involvement. But the question is: what brought him there at the time of arrest? Why was he in an operational area where our troops were conducting operations?” he posed to journalists.
He assured the public of a thorough investigation to determine the suspect’s intentions and any potential links to insurgent groups. “The Chinese national has been detained and is undergoing interrogation. Once the investigation is concluded, we will furnish the public with full details—why he was there, how he was arrested, and whether he had accomplices,” Kangye affirmed.
Addressing concerns about delayed military response to distress calls in remote communities, General Kangye dismissed such claims as misleading. He highlighted logistical realities such as difficult terrain and the intricate coordination required for deployment as factors affecting response times.
“People must understand that our troops are not in every village,” he explained. “Sometimes, incidents occur 10 to 15 kilometres from the nearest military base. Before deployment, the appropriate subunit must be identified, a commander appointed, and vehicles and supplies secured. All of this takes time.”
Drawing an analogy to a hospital managing multiple patients, Kangye urged understanding, stating that while citizens might feel neglected, it does not mean action is not being taken. He reiterated the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting citizens and neutralizing threats. “Let’s not rush to label our troops as slow. They are working under tough conditions, and I can assure you—they respond when called upon,” General Kangye concluded.