In a notable display of international law enforcement synergy, Nigeria recently achieved a major victory in the fight against transnational crime. On August 8, 2025, Abuja-based authorities apprehended Dai Qisheng, a notorious Chinese gang leader who had fled Guizhou Province in 2024. Within a week, he was safely repatriated to Chinese authorities under the auspices of Interpol's police-to-police cooperation framework. The operation, formally announced on August 24, 2025, highlights Nigeria’s rising role as a dependable ally in global security and justice efforts.
Fugitive Background: Who Is Dai Qisheng?
Dai Qisheng was identified as the ringleader of organized violent criminal activities in Guizhou Province, China. Following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Public Security Bureau of Zhijin County, Dai evaded authorities by fleeing the country in 2024. He eventually surfaced in Nigeria, where he managed to avoid detection—until Nigerian and Interpol operatives moved in.
The Coordination: How the Operation Unfolded
The success of this operation lay in a finely tuned, multi-layered collaboration:
1. Interpol Coordination
The Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abuja spearheaded the intelligence gathering and investigative phases.
Support and liaison were facilitated through Interpol NCB Beijing, alongside the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
2. Surveillance and Arrest
Dai was tracked and arrested in Abuja on August 8, 2025, following sustained surveillance efforts that culminated in his capture.
The Nigerian Police Force then prepared for his expedited repatriation.
3. Police-to-Police Repatriation
On August 15, 2025, he was officially repatriated to Beijing under a police-to-police cooperation framework, signaling efficient and streamlined execution.
4. Official Communications
Both the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued statements highlighting the operation as a milestone in international policing collaboration.
Why This Operation Matters
1. Affirmation of Nigeria’s Global Standing
This achievement reinforces Nigeria’s reputation as a responsible partner in global law enforcement. Nigerian authorities demonstrated that the country will not be a sanctuary for fugitives, regardless of their origin.
2. Strengthened Bilateral Ties
The operation underscores growing synergy between Nigerian and Chinese law enforcement. The inclusion of Interpol NCBs and the Chinese Embassy exemplifies how international partnerships can yield swift, effective justice.
3. Boost to Public Confidence
By successfully coordinating across agencies and borders, Nigeria projects transparency, professionalism, and commitment to the rule of law—fostering public trust in national institutions.
Other Instances of Transnational Criminal Repatriations
Nigeria has previously engaged in similar extraditions, illustrating the nation’s evolving law enforcement capacity:
Chen Gaochong, a Chinese fugitive accused of issuing forged VAT invoices worth nearly RMB 4.97 million, was arrested in Lagos on June 24, 2025, and repatriated on July 3, 2025, via the Nigeria Police Force and Interpol collaboration.
EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) and the Nigerian Immigration Service have aggressively pursued foreign-led cybercrime networks, deporting more than 100 individuals, including 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, since August 15, 2025.
Operations facilitated by Interpol and AFRIPOL in late 2024 saw multiple arrests, significant seizures, and the dismantling of organized crime networks across West Africa.
The extradition of Dai Qisheng marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s fight against cross-border crime. It showcases robust inter-agency coordination, international diplomacy, and operational excellence. Beyond spotlighting a single case, the operation echoes Nigeria’s broader commitment—standing firm against crime, championing accountability, and reinforcing its role in global law enforcement networks.
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