Nigeria Police Arrest, Repatriate Chinese Fugitive Over Smuggling
The Nigeria Police Force has successfully repatriated Chinese national, Zhang Shijie, who was wanted by the Yangpu Sub-Bureau of the Haikou Customs District, following allegations of large-scale smuggling of endangered African Rosewood.
The 1,400-tonne consignment of African Rosewood, valued at around 15.7 million Chinese Yuan, was smuggled between November 2020 and January 2021. Zhang remained outside of China ever since.
The arrest and repatriation of Zhang were facilitated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, Nigeria, following a sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated law enforcement operations.
International Police Cooperation and Commitment to Justice
Inspector General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to work with INTERPOL and international law enforcement partners to strengthen border security, disrupt transnational criminal networks, and ensure that fugitives are brought within the grasp of justice.
Background: Nigeria and China's Bilateral Relations
Nigeria and China enjoy a longstanding bilateral relationship, characterized by cooperation in combating transnational crimes and promoting economic growth.
- The arrest and repatriation of Zhang Shijie demonstrate Nigeria's commitment to upholding international cooperation in fighting transnational crimes.
- This incident highlights the importance of enhancing cross-border collaboration between Nigeria and China in tackling illegal activities that threaten both countries' economies.
The Smuggling Scandal
The Chinese national, Zhang Shijie, was arrested and deported to China following allegations of smuggling 1,400 tons of African Rosewood, valued at around 15.7 million Yuan.
- Zhang is accused of smuggling the endangered African Rosewood between November 2020 and January 2021.
- The Nigerian Police Force's collaboration with INTERPOL and international law enforcement partners is aimed at strengthening border security, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and ensuring that fugitives are brought within the reach of justice.
Zhang's Arrest and Repatriation
The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with INTERPOL and international law enforcement partners, arrested and repatriated Zhang Shijie to China on September 16, 2026.
- Zhang was arrested in Ogere, Ogun State on September 16, 2026.
- The Nigerian Police Force, in conjunction with INTERPOL and global law enforcement partners, is dedicated to enhancing border security, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and ensuring that fugitives are brought within the reach of justice.
Nigeria-China Bilateral Relations
The arrest of Zhang Shijie highlights the importance of strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and China in combating illegal activities that endanger both countries' economies.
- Zhang's arrest and repatriation demonstrate Nigeria's commitment to upholding global cooperation in tackling transnational crimes and ensuring that fugitives are brought within the reach of justice.
- The Nigerian Police Force, along with INTERPOL and international law enforcement partners, is dedicated to enhancing border security, dismantling transnational criminal networks, and ensuring that fugitives are brought within the reach of justice.
INTERPOL's Role in the Operation
INTERPOL played a key role in facilitating the repatriation of Zhang Shijie to China.
- Zhang was arrested in Ogere, Ogun State on September 16th, 2026.
- INTERPOL's involvement in the operation demonstrates the organization's commitment to global cooperation in tackling transnational crimes and ensuring that fugitives are brought within the reach of justice.
China-Nigeria Bilateral Relations
The arrest of Zhang Shijie highlights the importance of enhancing bilateral relations between Nigeria and China in combating illegal activities that threaten both countries' economies.
- Zhang's arrest and repatriation showcases Nigeria's dedication to upholding global cooperation in tackling transnational crimes and ensuring that fugitives are brought within reach of justice.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
