Nigeria hands over wanted Chinese gang leader after high-stakes INTERPOL raid

The Nigeria Police Force has repatriated a notorious Chinese fugitive, Mr. Dai Qisheng, in a landmark operation coordinated through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja.

A statement issued on Sunday by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the operation was carried out in partnership with INTERPOL NCB Beijing and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria.

The move, he said, highlights the Force’s determination to tackle transnational organized crime.

“Dai Qisheng, a notorious gang leader wanted in Guizhou Province, China, for orchestrating and leading violent organized crimes, fled his home country in 2024 after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Public Security Bureau of Zhijin County.

“Determined to evade justice, he sought refuge in Nigeria. Operatives of INTERPOL NCB Abuja tracked, surveilled, and apprehended the fugitive in Abuja on 8th August, 2025. Following his arrest, the fugitive was repatriated on 15th August, 2025 to Beijing under the established framework of police-to-police cooperation, coordinated by INTERPOL.

“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,” the statement said.

Reacting to the development, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, pledged to strengthen international alliances through intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration, ensuring criminals cannot slip through borders.

He stressed that Dai Qisheng’s arrest and repatriation sends a warning to fugitives worldwide: Nigeria will not serve as a sanctuary for those on the run.