The Nigeria Police Force says it has repatriated Zhang Shijie, a Chinese national wanted by authorities in China over the alleged smuggling of about 1,400 tonnes of endangered African rosewood.

Zhang was arrested by operatives of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja on September 10, 2026, in the Ogere area of Ogun State, according to the police.

Force spokesperson Ani Iniedu said the suspect was wanted by the Yangpu Sub-Bureau of the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Haikou Customs District in China.

The allegations involve the movement of Pterocarpus erinaceus, commonly known as African rosewood, an internationally traded timber species that has faced extensive pressure from illegal harvesting and trafficking.

Police said an arrest warrant was issued for Zhang on January 7, 2021, in connection with alleged offences said to have occurred between November 2020 and January 2021.

According to the police account, approximately 1,400 tonnes of rosewood valued at about 15.7 million Chinese yuan were involved in the alleged smuggling operation.

The Nigeria Police Force said sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and investigative work led INTERPOL operatives to Zhang in Ogun State.

Police said he had remained outside China after the alleged offences and was subsequently traced to Nigeria.

Following his arrest, Zhang was repatriated to Guangzhou, China, on September 16, as part of cooperation between Nigerian and Chinese law-enforcement authorities.

The police described the operation as part of efforts to strengthen international cooperation against transnational crime.

The allegations against Zhang have not been determined by a Nigerian court, and his repatriation should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt on the underlying accusations.

The case adds to international concern over illegal trade in endangered timber species, particularly African rosewood, which has been targeted by trafficking networks because of demand for high-value hardwood.