By Ola Kay
The Nigeria Police Force, NPF, through INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, has repatriated a Chinese fugitive, named Zhang Shijie, to Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China, following his arrest in Nigeria in connection with alleged large-scale smuggling of endangered African Rosewood.
A release by the Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja stated that Zhang, who was declared wanted by the Yangpu Sub-Bureau of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Haikou Customs District, was the subject of an arrest warrant issued on 7th January, 2021 over his alleged involvement in the smuggling of approximately 1,400 tonnes of Pterocarpus erinaceus, commonly known as African Rosewood, an endangered tree species indigenous to West Africa. The consignment was valued at about 15.7 million Chinese Yuan.
The NPF statement said the alleged offences were committed between November 2020 and January 2021, after which Zhang remained outside China. Intelligence subsequently established his presence in Nigeria, where he was residing in Ogun State with a Chinese passport which expired since 11th November, 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, after which he was repatriated to Guangzhou, China, on 16th September 2026 in furtherance of bilateral police cooperation,” CSP Ani Iniedu said.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, used the opportunity to reiterate the commitment of the NPF to strengthening international police cooperation and maximising INTERPOL tools and capabilities in tracking fugitives, combating transnational organised crime and preventing Nigeria from being used as a safe haven by persons wanted for criminal offences in other jurisdictions.
According to the release, “The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to working with INTERPOL and international law-enforcement partners to strengthen cross-border security, disrupt transnational criminal networks and ensure that fugitives are brought within the reach of justice.”
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