Nigeria Police repatriate Notorious Chinese ‘gang leader’ in Interpol operation

Nigeria Police repatriate wanted Notorious Chinese ‘gang leader’ in Interpol operation

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has repatriated an alleged notorious Chinese gang leader, Dai Qisheng.

According to a statement issued on Sunday, police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that the operation was coordinated through the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol).

Qisheng was declared wanted in Guizhou Province, China for allegedly leading violent organised crimes.

Reportedly, the suspect vanished from his country in 2024 after the Public Security Bureau of Zhijin County issued an arrest warrant.

However, in a smart move, he sought refuge in Nigeria.

Adejobi said Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja tracked and arrested Qisheng in the nation’s capital on August 8.

A week later, on August 15, he was flown back to Beijing under a police-to-police cooperation framework facilitated by Interpol, in collaboration with NCB Beijing and the Chinese embassy in Nigeria.

The force spokesperson said the repatriation was a significant stride in the fight against transnational organised crime, noting that Nigeria will not serve as a haven for fugitives.

“This operation not only reaffirms the Nigeria Police Force’s resolve to ensure that no fugitive finds a safe haven within Nigeria but also reflects the strength of international partnerships in addressing the increasingly complex threats of global crime networks,” he said.

Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, hailed the operation, saying it demonstrated the importance of international security partnerships.

Egbetokun added that Qisheng’s arrest and transfer sent a clear message to criminals worldwide that Nigeria will not shield people fleeing justice.