RismadarVoice Reporters
September 17, 2026
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and repatriated a Chinese national, Zhang Shijie, who was wanted by authorities in China over allegations involving the smuggling of about 1,400 tonnes of endangered African rosewood valued at approximately 15.7 million Chinese yuan.
Zhang was arrested on September 10 in the Ogere area of Ogun State by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, following intelligence gathering and surveillance, according to the police.
He was subsequently repatriated to Guangzhou, China, on September 16 as part of cooperation between Nigerian and Chinese law-enforcement authorities.
Chinese authorities had declared Zhang wanted over allegations linked to the movement of Pterocarpus erinaceus, commonly known as African rosewood.
The Nigeria Police said he was wanted by the Yangpu Sub-Bureau of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Haikou Customs District in connection with alleged offences said to have occurred between November 2020 and January 2021.
An arrest warrant was issued for him on January 7, 2021, after which he remained outside China, according to information provided by the police.
Investigators later established that Zhang was residing in Ogun State and was using a Chinese passport that had expired in November 2023.
Following his arrest, arrangements were made for his return to China, where authorities are expected to continue proceedings relating to the allegations against him.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu said the operation reflected the Force’s commitment to strengthening international law-enforcement cooperation and using INTERPOL mechanisms to track individuals wanted across national borders.
The police said Nigeria would continue collaborating with INTERPOL and foreign law-enforcement agencies to combat transnational organised crime and prevent the country from being used as a refuge by fugitives.
The allegations against Zhang originate from the Chinese authorities, and his repatriation does not by itself constitute a finding of guilt.