Categories: World

China to bring security experts as Nigerian gunmen kidnap three Chinese from dam site

<p>
Gunmen kidnapped three Chinese nationals and killed two Nigerians in a gun battle at a hydroelectric dam project in central Nigeria. A police statement on Thursday said that the incident took place on Tuesday afternoon.</p>
<p>
According to the police, the workers were installing a transmission tower when the gunmen opened fire, killing two local workers. “Police tactical team attached to the facility engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel while four of the expatriates were rescued with one of them and two local staff sustaining bullet injury,” state police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said in a statement.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">
WEEK IN REVIEW: Kidnappings of Chinese nationals in Nigeria, new China-South African agricultural trade agreement, and China-Morocco to ramp up BRI engagement. It's been a very busy week.<a href="https://t.co/bueaY3TEz9">https://t.co/bueaY3TEz9</a></p>
— The China Africa Project (@ChinaAfrProject) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinaAfrProject/status/1479285714550358018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p>
<a href="https://www.voanews.com/a/gunmen-abduct-three-chinese-workers-in-nigeria-s-niger-state/6385261.html" rel="nofollow">The <em>Voice of America</em> reports</a> that the gunmen were heavily armed. The police and intelligence officials are now working to rescue the kidnapped Chinese by seeking information from local communities.<br />
<br />
The kidnapping happened exactly at a time when Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was on a tour to African nations.<br />
<br />
China is deeply worried over crimes against Chinese citizens in Nigeria. Last year Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun told media persons that his country is likely to bring in criminal investigation experts to interact with Nigerian security agencies, <a href="https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/501063-china-moves-to-help-nigeria-tackle-insecurity.html" rel="nofollow">reports the local media</a>.<br />
<br />
The ambassador reportedly said that <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3160226/china-offers-send-security-team-nigeria" rel="nofollow">the Chinese government is worried</a> about the security situation in Nigeria due to the increasing insurgencies and also concerned about Chinese nationals working in the country.<br />
<br />
Nigeria media says that criminal gangs often target foreign workers at infrastructure projects in a bid to extort ransom. Foreigners are released after a ransom is paid though no one publicly acknowledges that money was paid for the safe release of their workers.<br />
<br />
Large foreign companies, including Chinese firms, have become vulnerable to such attacks. Chinese employees have been targeted as they work on highly-conspicuous multi-billion-dollar infrastructure work that include oil projects, mining, railways, airports and roads.<br />
<br />
Insurgencies in the oil-rich West African country are only increasing despite being run by Muhammadu Buhari–retired military general and now President. </p>
<p>
<strong><a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/chinese-workers-say-they-live-in-fear-throughout-the-pakistan-bbc-urdu-service-121884.html">Chinese workers say they live in fear throughout Pakistan—BBC Urdu service</a></strong></p>
<p>
<strong><a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/china-wants-pakistan-to-pay-million-as-blood-money-for-its-engineers-killed-at-hydel-project-site-121586.html">China wants Pakistan to pay $38 million as blood money for its engineers killed at hydel project site</a></strong></p>

Rahul Kumar

Rahul Kumar writes on international issues and is a keen watcher of South Asia, environment, urban development and NGOs.

Recent Posts

Israel says it killed Iran’s senior-most military official Ali Shadmani

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday claimed that it has killed Iran's senior-most military…

41 minutes ago

“Indian students in Tehran moved out of city”: MEA asks other Indians in Iran’s capital city to leave

Amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday…

3 hours ago

Amid Israel-Iran tensions, Indian Embassy asks Indians in Tehran to provide contact details and location

Amid the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, Indian Embassy in Iran has asked all…

4 hours ago

“Israel has right to defend itself, Iran source of terror,” says G7 statement as Iran-Israel conflict enters 5th day

Ahead of the critical G7 Summit meeting in Canada, leaders of the forum have issued…

5 hours ago

India well positioned to regain strong export growth as global trade conditions likely to stabilize in H2 of 2025: Experts

India's trade performance in May 2025 has shown strength and stability, despite uncertain global conditions,…

5 hours ago

“Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!”: Trump slams Iran for ignoring nuclear deal

Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time)…

6 hours ago