Zhang Shijie arrested in Ogun State after years on the run; extradited to China following INTERPOL-led operation.
ABUJA, September 17, 2026 — The Nigeria Police Force has repatriated a Chinese national, Zhang Shijie, to Guangzhou, China, following his arrest in Ogun State over his alleged involvement in the large-scale smuggling of endangered African Rosewood.
The fugitive was arrested by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, on September 10, 2026, in the Ogere area of Ogun State, after an intelligence-led operation.
He was subsequently repatriated to Guangzhou on September 16, 2026, in furtherance of international police cooperation between Nigeria and China.
Wanted Since 2021 Over Endangered Timber Smuggling
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, Zhang was wanted by the Yangpu Sub-Bureau of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Haikou Customs District in China.
An arrest warrant was reportedly issued against him on January 7, 2021, over allegations of smuggling approximately 1,400 tonnes of Pterocarpus erinaceus, commonly known as African Rosewood, an endangered tree species native to West Africa.
The smuggled consignment was valued at approximately 15.7 million Chinese Yuan.
The alleged offences were committed between November 2020 and January 2021. Following the alleged offences, Zhang reportedly remained outside China, eventually establishing his presence in Nigeria.
Intelligence Operation Leads to Arrest in Ogun
Intelligence gathered by law-enforcement authorities subsequently established that the Chinese national was residing in Ogun State.
Police authorities said Zhang was in possession of a Chinese passport that had expired on November 11, 2023.
Following sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated investigative efforts, INTERPOL NCB Abuja operatives tracked down and arrested him in Ogere, Ogun State.
His subsequent repatriation to China underscores the role of international police cooperation in tracking fugitives wanted for alleged criminal offences across national borders.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Combating Transnational Crime
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening international law-enforcement cooperation and maximising INTERPOL’s tools and capabilities to track fugitives and combat transnational organised crime.
The IGP also emphasised the Force’s determination to prevent Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for individuals wanted for criminal offences in other jurisdictions.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to working with INTERPOL and other international law-enforcement partners to strengthen cross-border security, disrupt criminal networks and ensure that fugitives are brought within the reach of justice.
The repatriation marks another development in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against transnational crime.
Source: Nigeria Police Force
By The Qualitative Magazine
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