News
Fugitive drug lord wanted in UK arrested by NDLEA after 15 years on the run
Reacting to the successful operation leading to Ilomuanya’s arrest, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) described the development as a significant breakthrough in the agency’s relentless war against drug cartels.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 58-year-old fugitive drug lord Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya who has been on the wanted list of NDLEA and British authorities for over 15 years.
Ilomuanya was apprehended at a location in Lagos on Monday, 23rd February 2026, following a high-stakes well-coordinated operation by officers of a Special Operations Unit of the Agency.
Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, commented that his arrest ends a long-standing cat-and-mouse game with the law following his long history of drug related crimes across Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which highlight a persistent involvement in global narcotics trade.
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 the 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.
Reacting to the successful operation leading to Ilomuanya’s arrest, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) described the development as a significant breakthrough in the agency’s relentless war against drug cartels.
According to him, “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.”
He commended the officers of the Special Operations Unit for their professionalism, resilience, and diligence in tracking down the fugitive, stressing that the Agency remains unwavering in its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria.
News
NESREA Probes Mysterious Cloud-Like Substance on Kaduna-Abuja Expressway (Images)
Nigeria’s National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has commenced an urgent investigation into a strange white, foamy, cloud-like substance that appeared along the busy Kaduna-Abuja Expressway.

The unusual substance drew crowds and sparked widespread online speculation, with some initially mistaking it for “fallen clouds.” NESREA has warned residents and motorists to avoid the area, describing it as a suspected chemical spill possibly linked to a truck accident.
Agency officials from the Kaduna State Field Office visited the site, collected samples of the foam, soil, and nearby water for laboratory analysis to determine its composition and potential environmental or health risks.

Further updates are expected as tests continue. Motorists are advised to exercise caution on the expressway.
News
President Trump Writes President Tinubu, Lauding His Decisive Leadership Against Terrorists
“It is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against these terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.”
US President Donald Trump has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive leadership against terrorism.
In a letter to President Tinubu, President Trump applauded Tinubu’s resolve “to tackle the issues plaguing Nigeria, especially the violence affecting Christian communities.”
According to Trump: “It is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against these terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.”
The US-Nigeria relationship flourished in recent times, with the two sides working closely in key areas, especially in tackling security challenges afflicting parts of Nigeria.
In November last year, President Trump and President Tinubu agreed to establish a Joint Working Group co-headed by the National Security Advisers of Nigeria and the United States.
Through the work of the working group, the two sides agreed on several steps, including training, intelligence sharing, and joint operations to roll back terrorist activities.
A highlight of the collaboration was the May 16 coordinated attack on ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad area, which led to the killing of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, and many of his lieutenants.
Last week, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja, where he held meetings with senior government officials and pledged to strengthen the cooperation between Abuja and Washington DC in security and other areas of collaboration.
Full text of the letter dated July 6, 2026: Dear Mr President, “Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people.
I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities and it is a true honor to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.
“The United States-Nigeria relationship is crucial at a time where conflict has spread across West Africa and around the world. We both share a mutual goal of confronting terrorism in all its forms, and our historic US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap has established a robust framework to accomplish this feat.
“I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women in the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, tools and intelligence they need to protect your homeland and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack. I look forward to our continued discussions over the course of my Presidency.
” Sincerely, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America.
News
Excitement as Tinubu approves new army battalion for Kwara
The battalion will be located in Omu Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, and is expected to boost troop deployment and military operations, particularly in areas affected by kidnappings and bandit attacks.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new Army battalion in the State to strengthen security and tackle banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola, Governor AbdulRazaq, said that the battalion will be located in Omu Aran, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area, and is expected to boost troop deployment and military operations, particularly in areas affected by kidnappings and bandit attacks.
He described the approval as another demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing security challenges in the state.
The governor thanked President Tinubu for approving the new military formation, saying it would strengthen ongoing counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations.
“We are confident the new battalion will greatly strengthen counterterrorism and anti-kidnapping operations,” he said.
AbdulRazaq also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, for the swift processing of the request, and appreciated the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies for their efforts to combat violent crime.
-
News3 days agoBIJAMIC College Charges Class of 2026 Graduates to Embrace Resilience, Learn from Thomas Edison
-
Crime3 days agoMoney Laundering: Court Grants ₦500M Bail to Ex-Warri Refinery MD
-
News3 days agoAbbas inaugurating today committee to investigate illegal PFIPC agency
-
International3 days agoBurnham becomes PM, vows 10-year plan to stabilise UK
-
News2 days agoAdeniyi reveals how ‘PFIPC’ entered 2026 budget
-
News2 days agoA father narrates how abduction affects children
-
International3 days agoUS Vice President Vance announces birth of baby boy
-
News2 days agoTerrorism: Court Sentences Ansaru Commanders to Life Imprisonments
