The Nigeria Police Force has repatriated a Chinese national, Zhang Shijie, back to China after arresting him in Ogun State for his involvement in a massive rosewood smuggling ring.
Zhang was wanted by Chinese customs authorities for allegedly smuggling about 1,400 tonnes of endangered African rosewood valued at over 15.7 million Chinese yuan between late 2020 and early 2021.
After fleeing China, he hid in the Ogere area of Ogun State using an expired passport until INTERPOL operatives tracked him down on September 10.
Following his arrest, the police handed him over to Chinese authorities on September 16.
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu emphasized that the operation demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to working with international law enforcement to track down fugitives and ensure the country does not become a safe haven for cross-border criminals.
