The government of China has come out to deny funding terrorist groups in parts of Nigeria to secure access to mineral reserves.
Africa Today News, New York recalls that in a recent report, the Times, a British newspaper, claimed that through bribes and illegal transactions, ‘Beijing could be indirectly funding terror in Africa’s largest economy’.
The report alleged that some Chinese nationals who have worked informally as miners in Zamfara serve as runners for some militant groups in the state and other parts of the northwest zone.
However, reacting in a statement yesterday, the Chinese embassy in Nigeria said the report was based on “unproven information”, adding that the allegations ‘were totally irresponsible and unethical’.
The embassy clarified China remained committed to addressing development and security-related issues in Nigeria.
Read Also: We Have Been Rehabilitating Repentant Terrorists – FG
The statement read: ‘The Chinese government, as well as the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, have always encouraged and urged 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, etc, 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.
‘For the past decades, the bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria has brought tangible benefits to our bilateral ties and well-being of the two peoples.
‘We will continue to work with the Nigerian government to promote development and address security issues.’
Africa Today News, New York reports that the federal government of Nigeria is yet to react to the report.