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Nigeria Police arrested and extradited a Chinese fugitive wanted for allegedly masterminding the smuggling of about 12 tonnes of endangered tree pangolin scales from Nigeria to China
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After fleeing China in 2019 and resurfacing in Nigeria years later, the suspect was traced through intelligence-led operations and arrested in Abuja before being flown to Shanghai.
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The operation highlights Nigeria’s growing collaboration with international law enforcement agencies in dismantling transnational wildlife trafficking syndicates.
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Inspector-General of Police Olutunji Rilwan Disu commended the INTERPOL team and ordered intensified intelligence-led operations against wildlife traffickers and other cross-border criminal networks.
July 30, (THEWILL) — After years of evading international law enforcement, a Chinese fugitive accused of orchestrating a multi-tonne pangolin trafficking network has been arrested in Nigeria and extradited to China.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, on Wednesday repatriated Cai Jinlian, 42, to Shanghai, People’s Republic of China, to face prosecution over the alleged trafficking of approximately 12 tonnes of endangered tree pangolin scales smuggled from Nigeria into China between 2018 and 2019.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, investigations conducted by the Anti-Smuggling Sub Bureau of Wenzhou Customs linked Jinlian to the illegal shipment of two consignments of tree pangolin scales exported from Nigeria between November 2018 and April 2019.
Police said the suspect fled China on July 12, 2019, travelling to Egypt before disappearing from the reach of law enforcement authorities.
His escape prompted Chinese authorities to secure a warrant for his arrest on March 24, 2020, while INTERPOL subsequently issued a Red Notice on May 10, 2020, requesting law enforcement agencies across the world to locate and apprehend him.
Investigators later established that Jinlian had relocated to Nigeria around 2023, where he allegedly moved between Delta and Plateau states in a bid to evade capture.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja tracked the fugitive to the Federal Capital Territory and arrested him in Abuja on July 18, 2026.
Following the completion of the required legal and diplomatic procedures, he was extradited to Shanghai on July 29, 2026, under bilateral police cooperation arrangements to answer the outstanding criminal charges.
Chinese authorities had earlier secured the conviction of two of Jinlian’s alleged accomplices.
The pair were found guilty by the Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Zhejiang Province in December 2020 and sentenced to more than 14 years’ imprisonment for their involvement in the wildlife trafficking operation.
IGP Orders Tougher Crackdown on Wildlife Crime
Commending the successful operation, the Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Rilwan Disu, described the arrest and extradition as another milestone in the Nigeria Police Force’s efforts to combat transnational organised crime through international cooperation.
The police chief praised officers of INTERPOL NCB Abuja for their professionalism, resilience and intelligence-driven approach, saying the operation demonstrated the Force’s growing capacity to track and apprehend internationally wanted fugitives regardless of where they seek refuge.
Disu also directed the Police Environmental Crimes and Works of Art Team to intensify intelligence-led operations targeting wildlife trafficking syndicates and other organised criminal groups exploiting Nigeria as a transit point for illicit activities.
He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with INTERPOL and other international law enforcement partners to combat cross-border crime, dismantle organised criminal enterprises and protect endangered wildlife species.
Nigeria Deepens Global Anti-Trafficking Cooperation
The Force said the successful extradition reflects Nigeria’s commitment to honouring its international policing obligations and strengthening strategic partnerships aimed at tackling crimes that transcend national borders.
Wildlife trafficking remains one of the world’s most lucrative organised crimes, generating billions of dollars annually for criminal networks.
Pangolins—widely regarded as the world’s most trafficked mammals—are protected under international conservation agreements, yet demand for their scales continues to fuel illegal markets, particularly across parts of Asia.
Nigeria has, in recent years, emerged as a major trans, it hub for the illegal export of pangolin scales and elephant ivory, prompting intensified collaboration between Nigerian authorities, INTERPOL, customs agencies and international conservation bodies.
Several high-profile seizures at Nigerian ports have exposed the scale of the illicit trade and reinforced calls for stronger enforcement against wildlife trafficking syndicates.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
