NDLEA Arrests UK-Wanted Drug Kingpin After 15 Years
On February 23, 2026, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 58-year-old drug lord Uzoma Valentin Ilomuanya in Lagos, Nigeria, after a 15-year pursuit. Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy for the NDLEA, confirmed that Ilomuanya was on the wanted list of UK authorities.
His arrest followed a high-stakes intelligence-led operation executed by the agency's special operations unit, concluding a prolonged cat-and-mouse chase across Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Ilomuanya has a criminal record linked to the global narcotics trade, having been first arrested in February 2003 in the UK and sentenced to nine years for drug trafficking.
He was released after serving two years due to a successful appeal in July 2011 but later jumped bail and fled Nigeria. Brig Gen Mohammed Buba Marwa, the NDLEA Chairman, described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in the agency's relentless war against drug cartels, emphasizing their commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Blueprint. Read the original report below.
Read full article
Continue on Blueprint
Get the week in one email
Top stories, NPFL results, the naira — every Friday morning. Free, one email a week.
Related Stories
NDLEA Arrests Notorious Drug Lord After 15 Years on Run
NDLEA Arrests Notorious Drug Kingpin After 13 Years
NDLEA Arrests Drug Kingpin Reginald Chidieber After 13 Years
NDLEA Captures Drug Kingpin After 13 Years in Hiding
Notorious Drug Kingpin Arrested After 12 Years for Killing NDLEA Officers
Wanted Drug Kingpin Behind Murder of Three NDLEA Officers Finally Arrested
Get Plus234Feed on messaging apps
Same headlines, delivered where you already scroll.
