\n
Abuja
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.<\/p>\n
Iniedu stated that Zhang was wanted by the Yangpu Sub-Bureau of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau under the Haikou Customs District in China.<\/p>\n
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<\/i> (African Rosewood), valued at roughly 15.7 million Chinese Yuan.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“The alleged offences were committed between November 2020 and January 2021, after which Zhang fled China.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
He added that the suspect was repatriated to Guangzhou on Sept. 16 in line with bilateral law enforcement cooperation between Nigeria and China.<\/p>\n
Iniedu said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international police collaboration.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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