The 15-year manhunt for notorious drug kingpin Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya has finally come to an end. In a well-coordinated strike on February 23, 2026, NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit tracked down the 58-year-old fugitive in Lagos, dealing a significant blow to global narcotics syndicates.
NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed on Wednesday, March 4, that the agency has finally nabbed long-standing fugitive Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya. For over 15 years, Ilomuanya eluded both the NDLEA and British authorities, engaging in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game that spanned continents.
The Agency further noted that the capture of Ilomuanya marks the end of a prolific era of cross-border narcotics crime. It stands as a bold declaration of the NDLEA’s commitment to rooting out global syndicates and ensuring there is no hiding place for drug lords.
The 15-year manhunt for the now-apprehended fugitive reveals a prolific history of cross-border crime. First convicted of drug trafficking in the UK in February 2003, Ilomuanya was sentenced to nine years, only to be released after two years following an appeal.
His criminal trajectory continued with a July 2011 arrest in the UK for further drug offences, after which he jumped administrative bail and fled to Nigeria. A career recidivist, Ilomuanya was again arrested by the NDLEA in November 2018 after operatives uncovered two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories at his country home in Orlu, Imo State, and his Lagos residence. Despite the seizure of 77.960kg of crystal meth and industrial-scale production equipment, he jumped court bail during trial and remained a fugitive until his recent capture.
Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, hailed the operation as a major victory in the Agency’s crusade against narcotics. He noted that the capture of the long-term fugitive proves there is no sanctuary for drug lords.
According to Marwa: ‘This arrest serves as a stern warning. Whether you jump bail in London or set up labs in the hinterlands, the NDLEA will catch up with you. We will not allow anyone to undermine the health and security of our nation for profit.’
“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 commended the Special Operations Unit for their resilience and professional tracking down of the fugitive, stressing that the Agency remains unwavering in dismantling drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria.
