The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, has repatriated a Chinese national, Zhang Shijie, to Guangzhou, China, following his arrest in Ogun State over alleged involvement in the smuggling of about 1,400 tonnes of African Rosewood.
Zhang, who was wanted by the Yangpu Sub-Bureau of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Haikou Customs District, China, was arrested on September 10, 2026, in the Ogere area of Ogun State following sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated investigative operations.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Chinese national was the subject of an arrest warrant issued on January 7, 2021, over his alleged involvement in the smuggling of approximately 1,400 tonnes of Pterocarpus erinaceus, commonly known as African Rosewood.
The consignment was valued at approximately 15.7 million Chinese Yuan, the police said.
The alleged offences were committed between November 2020 and January 2021, after which Zhang reportedly remained outside China.
The police said intelligence subsequently established that the wanted Chinese national was residing in Ogun State with a Chinese passport that had expired on November 11, 2023.
“Following sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated investigative efforts, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested the fugitive on 10 September 2026 in the Ogere area of Ogun State,” Iniedu said.
He added that Zhang was subsequently repatriated to Guangzhou on September 16, 2026, in furtherance of bilateral police cooperation between Nigeria and China.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to strengthening international police cooperation and maximising INTERPOL tools and capabilities in tracking fugitives and combating transnational organised crime.
Disu also reiterated the determination of the Force to prevent Nigeria from being used as a safe haven by persons wanted for alleged criminal offences in other jurisdictions.
The IGP said the Nigeria Police Force would continue to collaborate with INTERPOL and other international law-enforcement partners to strengthen cross-border security, disrupt transnational criminal networks and ensure that fugitives are brought within the reach of justice.
The development also underscores the growing importance of international law-enforcement collaboration in tackling cross-border crimes, including illegal trafficking of endangered wildlife and forest resources.
The Nigeria Police Force said Zhang's repatriation followed the conclusion of the Nigerian phase of the operation and was undertaken within the framework of bilateral police cooperation.
