The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, has repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Zhang Shijie, to Guangzhou, China, over his alleged involvement in the smuggling of about 1,400 tonnes of endangered African Rosewood worth around ¥15.7 million.
Zhang was wanted by the Yangpu Sub-Bureau of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Haikou Customs District, China, following an arrest warrant issued against him on January 7, 2021, over his alleged involvement in the smuggling operation.
The consignment comprised Pterocarpus erinaceus, commonly known as African Rosewood, an endangered tree species indigenous to West Africa, and was valued at about 15.7 million Chinese Yuan.
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 that had expired on November 11, 2023.
Following sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated investigative efforts, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested Zhang on September 10, 2026, in the Ogere area of Ogun State.
He 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, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force 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.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said 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.
