Nigeria Hands Over Chinese Wildlife Trafficking Suspect Over 12-Tonne Pangolin Scales Smuggling Case

The Nigeria Police Force has repatriated a 42-year-old Chinese national wanted in connection with a multi-million naira wildlife trafficking syndicate, in what officials described as a major boost in the fight against transnational organised crime.

The suspect, whose identity was not disclosed, was arrested by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Abuja, and handed over to Chinese authorities on July 29.

He is accused of smuggling about 12 tonnes of endangered pangolin scales from Nigeria to China between 2018 and 2019.

According to the police, investigations showed that after fleeing China, the fugitive relocated to Nigeria, where he operated in Delta and Plateau States before being tracked and arrested in Abuja on July 18.

He was subsequently repatriated to Shanghai under the framework of international police cooperation.

Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Rilwan Disu, commended the INTERPOL NCB Abuja team for the successful operation.

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The IGP also directed the Force’s Environmental Crimes and Works of Art Team to intensify intelligence-led operations against wildlife trafficking networks operating within Nigeria.

“Nigeria will not be a safe haven for criminals who exploit our biodiversity and natural resources,” Disu said, reaffirming the Force’s commitment to global law enforcement collaboration and the protection of endangered species.

Pangolins are the most trafficked mammals in the world, and their scales are highly sought after in some Asian markets for traditional medicine. Nigeria has in recent years emerged as a key transit and exit point for illegal wildlife products.

The repatriation marks one of the largest wildlife trafficking-linked extraditions handled by Nigerian authorities to date.