Breaking: NDLEA Nabbed Notorious Drug Lord After 15 Years On The Run – Wanted In The UK

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended 58-year-old fugitive drug lord Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the wanted list of both Nigerian and British authorities for more than 15 years.

According to a statement released by the agency’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, Ilomuanya was arrested in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, following a meticulously planned operation carried out by a Special Operations Unit of the NDLEA.

The arrest marks the end of a prolonged pursuit that spans decades, tracing Ilomuanya’s involvement in drug-related crimes across Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He was first detained in February 2003 in the UK and sentenced to nine years for drug trafficking but was released after two years on appeal. In July 2011, he faced further drug-related charges in the UK but jumped bail and fled to Nigeria.

Ilomuanya’s criminal activities continued in Nigeria, where in November 2018 NDLEA operatives discovered two methamphetamine laboratories at his residences in Obinugwu, Imo State, and Lagos. Authorities recovered nearly 78 kilograms of methamphetamine along with substantial production equipment. Following his arrest, he was charged at the Federal High Court in Lagos but subsequently absconded, remaining on the run until his recent capture.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, described the arrest as a major victory in the agency’s fight against drug trafficking. He emphasized that the operation sends a strong message to criminals attempting to evade justice across borders and reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to intelligence-led operations and international cooperation.

Brig. Gen. Marwa also praised the Special Operations Unit for their dedication and resilience, noting that the agency will continue to dismantle drug networks operating in Nigeria and hold perpetrators accountable.