China Denies Involvement In Nigerian Terror Financing

China has denied funding terrorism in Nigeria.

British newspaper The Times reported that the Asian country was complacent toward the proliferation of terrorist operations in Nigeria.

The Times said employees of Chinese-owned mining companies in Nigeria were funding terror groups in some parts of the country in a bid to gain access to the West African nation’s abundant mineral resources.

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The Times further said it has submitted the findings of its research to a Lagos-based analysis team.

China debunked reports of it sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria via a tweet on Monday and described the report as “irresponsible.’’

 “Our attention has been drawn to a media report titled “Chinese ‘bribed Nigerian militants for access to vast mineral reserves”, published by the The Times of the U.K. on April 15, 2023,’’ the Chinese Mission in Nigeria stated.

“This report, claiming that “Beijing could be indirectly funding terror” in Nigeria, is based on unverified, unclear and unproven information, to which we have to express our strong dissatisfaction and objection.

“The Chinese government, as well as the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, have always encouraged and urged the Chinese companies and nationals in Nigeria to abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria, and to implement the local rules and guidance on labour, environment, health and safety, among others, and would continue their efforts in this regard.

“The Chinese government was and would never be involved in any form of funding terrorism.

“The allegations contained in the report were totally irresponsible and unethical, and the intention of the report is seriously questioned.”

China also hailed its strong bilateral tie with Nigeria, insisting that it has yielded tangible outcomes.

“We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to promote development and address security issues,” the Asian powerhouse enthused.

“We welcome international partners to join our efforts in good faith, but would reject any intention or action that would smear our cooperation.”