Police Repatriate Suspected Wildlife Trafficker to China
The Nigeria Police Force has extradited a suspected international wildlife trafficker, Cai Jinlian, to China to face prosecution over alleged involvement in the illegal trade of endangered species. The operation was coordinated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja as part of ongoing international law enforcement collaboration.
According to police authorities, the suspect is linked to the smuggling of large quantities of pangolin scales from Nigeria to China between late 2018 and early 2019. Investigations by Chinese customs officials reportedly connected him to the trafficking network, while two associates were previously convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms in China.
The suspect is said to have fled China in 2019, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant and an INTERPOL Red Notice in 2020. Intelligence later indicated that he had been residing in Nigeria, moving across different states before his eventual arrest in Abuja in July 2026.
Following his arrest, arrangements were made for his return to China under bilateral policing agreements. Authorities confirmed that he was transferred to Shanghai on July 29, where he is expected to face pending charges related to wildlife trafficking.
