The Nigeria Police Force has arrested and repatriated a Chinese national wanted by authorities in China over alleged large-scale smuggling of African Rosewood, an endangered tree species found across parts of West Africa.
The suspect, identified as Zhang Shijie, was arrested by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, following intelligence-led surveillance and investigations into his alleged involvement in the illegal shipment of approximately 1,400 tonnes of Pterocarpus erinaceus, commonly known as African Rosewood.
According to reports, the alleged smuggling operation involved a consignment valued at approximately 15.7 million Chinese Yuan. Chinese authorities had reportedly declared Zhang wanted in connection with the case and obtained an arrest warrant against him on January 7, 2021.
The alleged offences were said to have occurred between November 2020 and January 2021. Following the development, Zhang reportedly remained outside China while efforts were made to locate him.
Investigations later established that the wanted Chinese national was in Nigeria, where he was reportedly residing in Ogun State.
The INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja subsequently commenced intelligence gathering and surveillance operations aimed at determining his location and facilitating his arrest.
The operation culminated in his arrest on September 10, 2026, in the Ogere area of Ogun State.
Following the arrest, arrangements were made for his return to China under existing international police cooperation mechanisms. Zhang was subsequently repatriated to Guangzhou, China, on September 16, 2026, where he is expected to face the allegations against him.
The case highlights the role of international cooperation in addressing crimes that cross national borders, particularly environmental crimes involving the illegal movement of protected or endangered natural resources.
African Rosewood, scientifically known as Pterocarpus erinaceus, is a valuable hardwood species native to West Africa. Its commercial value has contributed to significant pressure on the species, with illegal logging and trafficking becoming concerns for environmental authorities and law-enforcement agencies in the region.
The Police operation also underscores the increasing use of INTERPOL channels by law-enforcement agencies to trace suspects who cross borders to evade prosecution.
The Nigerian Police Force has previously used INTERPOL cooperation to arrest and return foreign nationals wanted by authorities in other countries. In May 2026, the force announced the arrest and repatriation of another Chinese national, Xu Qing, who was wanted in China over an alleged $245 million Ponzi scheme.
In the latest case, the successful tracking of Zhang in Ogun State followed intelligence sharing and coordination between Nigerian and Chinese law-enforcement authorities.
The development also demonstrates the importance of cooperation between countries in tackling transnational organised crime. Criminal networks involved in smuggling, trafficking and other illicit activities can exploit international borders to evade arrest, making information sharing and coordinated investigations essential to law enforcement.
The arrest and repatriation of Zhang therefore mark another instance of Nigeria’s INTERPOL operations being used to facilitate the return of an alleged fugitive to his home country.
Chinese authorities are expected to continue investigations and legal proceedings concerning the alleged smuggling activities. The allegations against Zhang remain matters for the relevant judicial authorities in China to determine.
