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Nigerian authorities have deported a Chinese national accused of trafficking about 12 tonnes of pangolin scales from Nigeria to China, where he is expected to face wildlife trafficking charges.
The Nigeria Police Force said it had “successfully arrested and repatriated” Cai Jinlian, a 42-year-old Chinese fugitive, to Shanghai following an international investigation into his alleged involvement in the illegal wildlife trade.
According to the police, Cai smuggled approximately 12 tonnes of tree pangolin scales out of Nigeria in two consignments between November 2018 and April 2019. The shipments were allegedly transported to China, where the scales are sought after in some traditional medicine markets despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting claims of medicinal benefits.
Pangolins are among the world’s most trafficked mammals and are protected under international conservation laws because of their declining population. Their scales are often targeted by criminal networks that move them across continents for illegal trade.
Nigeria has become a major transit route for pangolin trafficking, with conservation groups warning that the country’s forests and ports have been exploited by international syndicates involved in the movement of wildlife products to Asia.
The police said an international arrest warrant was issued for Cai in 2020 after he fled China and travelled first to Egypt before later relocating to Nigeria. Authorities said he was arrested in Abuja on July 18 following intelligence-led operations and was subsequently handed over to Chinese authorities, arriving in Shanghai on July 29.
The repatriation marks a major step in cooperation between Nigerian and Chinese authorities in tackling cross-border wildlife crimes, as countries continue efforts to disrupt trafficking networks threatening endangered species.
Conservation experts have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement, international collaboration and tougher action against individuals involved in the illegal exploitation of endangered animals.
Pangolins remain highly vulnerable due to persistent demand for their scales and meat in some markets.
