Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force, through its INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja, has repatriated a Chinese national, Zhang Shijie, to Guangzhou, China, following his arrest over alleged large-scale smuggling of endangered African Rosewood.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.

Iniedu stated that Zhang was wanted by the Yangpu Sub-Bureau of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau under the Haikou Customs District in China.

He said an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect on Jan. 7, 2021, over his alleged involvement in smuggling approximately 1,400 tonnes of Pterocarpus erinaceus (African Rosewood), valued at roughly 15.7 million Chinese Yuan.

According to the police spokesperson, African Rosewood is an endangered timber species indigenous to West Africa, and its exploitation is strictly regulated under international environmental laws.

“The alleged offences were committed between November 2020 and January 2021, after which Zhang fled China.

“Subsequent intelligence established his presence in Nigeria, where he was residing in Ogun State with a Chinese passport that expired on Nov. 11, 2023,” Iniedu said.

He noted that following sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordinated investigations, INTERPOL NCB Abuja operatives arrested the fugitive on Sept. 10 in the Ogere area of Ogun.

He added that the suspect was repatriated to Guangzhou on Sept. 16 in line with bilateral law enforcement cooperation between Nigeria and China.

Iniedu said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international police collaboration.

He quoted the IGP as emphasizing the maximum deployment of INTERPOL capabilities to track fugitives, dismantle transnational organized crime syndicates, and ensure Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for international criminals.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to working with INTERPOL and international law enforcement partners to strengthen cross-border security and ensure fugitives are brought to justice,” the statement added.