Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended a 58-year-old fugitive, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had been on the United Kingdom’s wanted list for over 15 years for drug trafficking offences. The arrest marks a major breakthrough in the fight against international narcotics networks operating in Nigeria.
Nijatravel reports that Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos following an intelligence-led operation by NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit. Previously, he had jumped bail and remained at large despite multiple arrests in both the UK and Nigeria, including the discovery of clandestine methamphetamine laboratories in Lagos and Imo State in 2018.
During the 2018 raids, NDLEA recovered approximately 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine along with sophisticated drug-production equipment. The suspect had previously served partial sentences in the UK but had evaded full prosecution by fleeing jurisdictions, making him one of the most wanted international drug traffickers in Nigeria.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the arrest as a significant victory in curbing drug-related crimes. He commended the persistent efforts of NDLEA operatives and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intelligence-driven operations and international collaboration to dismantle criminal networks.
The arrest underscores Nigeria’s growing capacity to combat transnational drug trafficking, strengthen border security, and bring high-profile criminals to justice. Authorities warn that individuals involved in drug-related offences will be tracked and prosecuted, reinforcing the country’s zero-tolerance stance against narcotics.
