Qisheng, who was wanted in China’s Guizhou Province for coordinating and directing violent organized crimes, fled the country in 2024 after Zhijin County’s Public Security Bureau issued an arrest order.
Seeking sanctuary in Nigeria, he evaded authorities until August 8, 2025, when INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja agents tracked him out, surveilled him, and detained him in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to a statement made on Sunday by Force spokeswoman Muyiwa Adejobi, Qisheng was repatriated to Beijing on August 15, 2025, as part of INTERPOL-led police-to-police cooperation.
Statement from the Nigeria Police Force
“The Nigeria Police Force, in a landmark operation executed through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau Abuja, has successfully repatriated a high-profile fugitive, Mr. Dai Qisheng, to the People’s Republic of China.
This decisive action, carried out in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Beijing and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, underscores the Force’s unyielding commitment to its fight against transnational organised crime,” the statement read.
“Dai Qisheng, a notorious gang leader wanted in Guizhou Province, China, for orchestrating and leading violent organised 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,” it added.
The statement then went on to specify when the alleged crime boss was deported.
“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.”
The case has received widespread attention as a watershed moment in international policing, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordination among Nigerian law enforcement, INTERPOL, and Chinese security authorities.
It also emphasizes Nigeria’s expanding involvement in combating transnational organized crime, ensuring that fugitives do not seek refuge within its borders.
According to Adejobi, as reported by the Punch, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun characterized the successful arrest and extradition as a resounding declaration that Nigeria will not be used as a haven for foreign 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 stated.
“The IGP has reassured that the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to continuously improve on international alliances, leveraging intelligence-sharing and operational collaboration to ensure that borders never become barriers to justice.
He emphasised that the arrest and repatriation of Dai Qisheng is a clear message to criminals worldwide that the Federal Republic of Nigeria will not be a hiding place for fugitives,” he added.
Security experts point out that the extradition demonstrates how global policing networks are tightening, making it increasingly harder for offenders to flee prosecution by crossing borders.
