NPF Repatriates Wanted Wildlife Trafficker to China

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

Nigeria has stepped up its fight against transnational organised crime, with the Nigeria Police Force repatriating a wanted Chinese wildlife trafficking suspect to face trial in China.

The Force says operatives of INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, arrested and handed over the 42-year-old fugitive to Chinese authorities. He is accused of smuggling about 12 tonnes of endangered pangolin scales from Nigeria to China between 2018 and 2019.

Investigations revealed that after fleeing China, the suspect hid in Nigeria, operating across Delta and Plateau States before his arrest in Abuja on July 18. He was repatriated to Shanghai on July 29 under international police cooperation.

Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Rilwan Disu, commended INTERPOL NCB Abuja for the successful operation and directed the Environmental Crimes and Works of Art Team to intensify intelligence-led efforts against wildlife trafficking, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to global law enforcement collaboration and the protection of endangered species.