NDLEA APPREHENDS UK-WANTED DRUG LORD FOLLOWING 15-YEAR MANHUNT
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
In a major blow to international drug trafficking networks, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said it has arrested a 58-year-old alleged fugitive drug lord, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on its wanted list as well as that of British authorities for more than 15 years.
Ilomuanya was arrested at a location in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, following a high-stakes, coordinated operation by officers from the agency’s Special Operations Unit, according to a statement issued Thursday by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
The statement said the arrest ended a long-running cat-and-mouse chase with law enforcement, citing Ilomuanya’s alleged history of drug-related offences across Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which authorities say reflects a persistent role in the global narcotics trade.
“He 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. He was later arrested again in the UK in July 2011 for drug-related offences but was granted administrative bail. He subsequently jumped bail and fled to Nigeria,” the statement said.
“Ilomuanya was again arrested in November 2018 by NDLEA operatives after two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories were uncovered at his country home in Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, and at his residence at No. 3 Barrister Declan Uzoma Close in Lagos. Officers recovered 77.96 kilograms of methamphetamine along with extensive drug production equipment.”
“He was subsequently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos but later jumped bail and has remained on the run since then,” the statement said in part.
Reacting to the operation that led to Ilomuanya’s arrest, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), called it a major breakthrough in the agency’s ongoing fight against drug cartels.
According to Brig. Gen. Marwa, “This arrest sends a clear warning to anyone who believes they can evade justice by hiding across borders. Whether you jump bail in London or operate clandestine labs in your village, the NDLEA’s reach will eventually catch up with those who threaten the health, security, and future of our nation.
“We remain committed to international partnerships to ensure Nigeria is not used as a haven for global drug lords. Under our leadership, the NDLEA will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations, deepen global cooperation, and bring those involved in the illicit drug trade to justice.”
He also praised officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism, resilience, and diligence in apprehending the fugitive, emphasizing that the agency remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria.
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