The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has captured 58-year-old fugitive drug kingpin Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom for more than 15 years. Authorities described the arrest as a major blow to international drug trafficking networks.
Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, during a high-stakes operation conducted by officers of the NDLEA Special Operations Unit. “His arrest ends a long-standing cat-and-mouse game with the law following his persistent involvement in drug trafficking across Nigeria and the UK,” the agency said.
Ilomuanya was first arrested in the UK in February 2003 and sentenced to nine years for drug trafficking, though he served only two years following an appeal. He was rearrested in July 2011 for drug-related offences, granted administrative bail, and subsequently fled to Nigeria.
In November 2018, NDLEA operatives discovered two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories linked to him — one at his home in Obinugwu, Orlu LGA, Imo State, and another at his Lagos residence on Barrister Declan Uzoma Close. Officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and extensive production equipment. Ilomuanya later jumped bail and remained at large until his recent capture.
Reacting to the arrest, NDLEA Chairman and CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa described it as a “significant breakthrough” in the agency’s fight against drug cartels.
“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice,” Marwa said. “Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine labs in your village, the long arm of the NDLEA will eventually catch up with those who undermine the health, security, and future of our nation.”
He added that the agency remains committed to intelligence-led operations and international cooperation to prevent Nigeria from becoming a sanctuary for global drug lords.
Marwa also commended the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism, resilience, and diligence in tracking down the fugitive, reiterating NDLEA’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks across the country.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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