In a major blow to international drug trafficking networks, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old alleged fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on its wanted list and that of British authorities for more than 15 years.
Ilomuanya was apprehended at a location in Lagos on Monday, 23 February 2026, following a high-stakes, coordinated operation by officers of the agency’s Special Operations Unit, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
The agency said the arrest brings to an end a prolonged manhunt linked to Ilomuanya’s alleged involvement in drug-related crimes across Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
According to the statement, Ilomuanya was first arrested in February 2003 and convicted in the United Kingdom for drug trafficking. He was sentenced to nine years in prison but was released after serving two years following a successful appeal.
“Not done with crime, he was again arrested in the UK in July 2011 for drug-related offences. He was granted administrative bail but jumped jurisdiction and fled to Nigeria,” the statement said.
The NDLEA added that Ilomuanya was later arrested again in November 2018 by its operatives after the discovery of two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories — one in his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and another at his residence at No. 3 Barrister Declan Uzoma Close in Lagos.
During the operation, officers reportedly recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine as well as extensive drug-production equipment.
“He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos but later jumped court bail and had been on the run since then,” the statement added.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the agency’s ongoing crackdown on drug cartels.
“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who believe they can evade justice by hiding across borders,” Marwa said.
“Whether you jump bail in London or set up clandestine laboratories in your village, the long arm of the NDLEA will eventually catch up with anyone who undermines the health, security, and future of our nation.”
Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening intelligence-led operations and deepening international collaboration to ensure that Nigeria is not used as a safe haven for global drug traffickers.
He also commended officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism and persistence in tracking down the suspect, stressing that the agency remains determined to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria.
