Tulani Ngwenya
LAGOS, Nigeria – In a significant crackdown on transnational wildlife crime, Nigerian authorities have apprehended a high-level Chinese wildlife trafficker in Lagos following a coordinated operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC). The arrest, carried out by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on February 19, 2025, marks a critical step in disrupting organized criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of endangered species.
The operation was linked to a major seizure of pangolin scales in Ogun State last August, where authorities uncovered 7.2 tonnes of contraband—the largest-ever haul recovered with WJC support. Intelligence analysis identified the suspect as the alleged owner of the stockpile, prompting a six-month investigation that culminated in his arrest. This case represents the first time a Chinese wildlife trafficking suspect has been detained in Nigeria as part of a WJC-supported operation and the second kingpin arrested through the collaboration.
Since 2021, the partnership between the WJC and NCS has led to 17 joint operations, resulting in 37 arrests and the seizure of 21.5 tonnes of pangolin scales and over one tonne of ivory. Notably, 12 convictions have been secured, including those of a Vietnamese kingpin and key facilitators operating in Lagos. The WJC reports that no significant shipments of African pangolin scales have been intercepted globally in the past three years, signalling a major disruption in trafficking routes.
Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the WJC, hailed the arrest as a milestone in combating high-level wildlife crime. “This operation exemplifies the importance of targeted law enforcement efforts to dismantle trafficking networks from the top down,” she said. “By holding these criminals accountable, we can help prevent organised crime from driving species to extinction.”
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The suspect, identified as Zheng Chao Hong, also known as Zheng Gao Peng, had been declared wanted after two of his employees were arrested during the initial warehouse raid. His apprehension deals a significant financial blow to the trafficking network, with the seized pangolin scales valued at over $1.4 million in Asian markets.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to combating wildlife crime, with Comptroller General B.A. Adeniyi stating that the arrest sends a strong message to traffickers. “We will continue to pursue and prosecute those involved in this illegal trade,” he said. The WJC has pledged ongoing support to Nigerian authorities in their efforts to dismantle wildlife trafficking operations at the highest levels.
