The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has announced the arrest of a 58-year-old suspected drug kingpin, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had reportedly been on the wanted list of both Nigerian and British authorities for more than 15 years.
Ilomuanya was arrested in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, during what the agency described as a carefully coordinated operation carried out by officers from its Special Operations Unit. The arrest was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
According to the agency, the suspect had managed to evade law enforcement for years despite multiple encounters with authorities in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom, where he had previously been linked to drug trafficking activities.
The statement noted that Ilomuanya’s alleged involvement in narcotics crimes dates back more than two decades and spans both countries.
“He was first arrested in February 2003 and convicted in the United Kingdom for drug trafficking; sentenced to nine years, but was later released after two years in jail upon 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.
“Typical of a recidivist, Ilomuanya was in November 2018 arrested in Nigeria by NDLEA operatives following the discovery of two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories in his Obinugwu, Orlu LGA country home in Imo state and at his No. 3 Barrister Declan Uzoma Close Lagos house where officers recovered 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine and extensive production equipment.
“He was subsequently charged before a Federal High Court, Lagos after which he jumped court bail and has been on the run since then”, the statement read in part.
Reacting to the arrest, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the development as a major milestone in the agency’s campaign against international drug trafficking networks.
According to him, the successful operation demonstrates the determination of the agency to pursue individuals involved in the illicit drug trade regardless of how long they attempt to evade authorities.
“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice. 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 choose to undermine the health, security, and future of our nation.
“We remain committed to our international collaborations to ensure that Nigeria is not used as a sanctuary for global drug lords. The NDLEA under our watch will continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations, deepen international cooperation, and ensure that those involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to justice.”
Marwa also praised officers of the agency’s Special Operations Unit for their persistence and professionalism in locating and arresting the fugitive suspect, noting that the agency remains focused on dismantling drug trafficking networks operating within and beyond Nigeria.
What you should know
The NDLEA has confirmed the arrest of Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, a suspected international drug trafficker who had reportedly been on the wanted list of Nigerian and British authorities for more than 15 years.
He was arrested in Lagos after a coordinated operation by the agency’s Special Operations Unit. Authorities say his alleged criminal activities include drug trafficking convictions abroad, the discovery of methamphetamine laboratories in Nigeria, and jumping court bail in the past.
The NDLEA described the arrest as a major breakthrough in its fight against organised drug trafficking networks.
