By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Police Force has repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Zhang Shijie, to Guangzhou, China, following his arrest in Ogun State over his alleged involvement in the large-scale smuggling of endangered African Rosewood.
According to an official statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, Zhang was arrested by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, on September 10, 2026, in the Ogere area of Ogun State, following sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated investigative efforts.
The suspect was wanted by the Yangpu Sub-Bureau of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Haikou Customs District in China, over an alleged role 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 reportedly valued at about 15.7 million Chinese Yuan, while the alleged offences were committed between November 2020 and January 2021.
A warrant for Zhang’s arrest was issued by the Chinese authorities on January 7, 2021, after which he allegedly remained outside China.
Intelligence subsequently established that the fugitive was residing in Ogun State, Nigeria, using a Chinese passport that had expired on November 11, 2023.
Following his arrest, Zhang was repatriated to Guangzhou on September 16, 2026, in furtherance of bilateral police cooperation between Nigeria and China.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international police cooperation and maximising INTERPOL tools and capabilities to track fugitives and combat transnational organised crime.
Disu said the Force would continue to leverage international law-enforcement partnerships to prevent Nigeria from being used as a safe haven by persons wanted for criminal offences in other jurisdictions.
The IGP further stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation in disrupting transnational criminal networks and ensuring that fugitives are brought within the reach of justice.
The Nigeria Police Force said it would continue to work with INTERPOL and other international law-enforcement partners to strengthen cross-border security and enhance efforts against transnational crime.
