The Nigeria Police Force has repatriated a high-profile Chinese fugitive wanted for violent organised crime, in what authorities described on Sunday as a landmark operation against transnational criminal networks.

The suspect, identified as Dai Qisheng, was arrested in Abuja on August 8 after months on the run. He had fled China in 2024 following an arrest warrant issued by the Public Security Bureau of Zhijin County, Guizhou Province.

Police said Dai, a gang leader linked to multiple violent crimes in his home province, was tracked through a joint operation by Nigeria’s INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) and their Beijing counterparts, with support from the Chinese Embassy in Abuja.

He was flown to Beijing on August 15 under a police-to-police cooperation framework facilitated by INTERPOL, officials confirmed.

Inspector-General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun said the operation underscored Nigeria’s commitment to global law enforcement partnerships and showed the country would not serve as a haven for fugitives.

 “This operation sends a clear message to criminals worldwide: Nigeria will not be a safe refuge,” Egbetokun said in a statement. “We will continue to work with our international partners to ensure that fugitives, wherever they hide, face justice.”

Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the case highlighted the importance of intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration in tackling cross-border criminal groups.

“The Nigeria Police remain committed to contributing meaningfully to international security through effective partnerships and by upholding the rule of law,” he said.

The repatriation was hailed by Chinese officials as an example of deepening cooperation between Abuja and Beijing in fighting organised crime.