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NDLEA Arrests Fugitive Drug Lord Wanted in UK After 15 Years on the Run

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In a major victory for anti-narcotics efforts, Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has captured a long-sought fugitive drug lord, 58-year-old Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, who had evaded authorities in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom for more than 15 years.

Ilomuanya was apprehended in Lagos on Monday, February 23, 2026, during a meticulously coordinated operation carried out by officers from the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit.

The arrest marks the end of an extended pursuit tied to Ilomuanya’s alleged deep involvement in international drug trafficking. His criminal record spans continents:

He was first arrested in the UK in February 2003 for drug trafficking, convicted, and sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment, though he served only two years before a successful appeal led to his release.

Undeterred, he faced another arrest in the UK in July 2011 on drug-related charges. Granted administrative bail, he absconded and fled back to Nigeria.

In Nigeria, Ilomuanya’s activities continued. In November 2018, NDLEA operatives raided two clandestine methamphetamine laboratories linked to him one in his hometown of Obinugwu, Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, and another at his residence on No. 3 Barrister Declan Uzoma Close in Lagos.

Authorities seized 77.960 kilograms of methamphetamine along with sophisticated production equipment. He was charged in a Federal High Court in Lagos but jumped bail and disappeared, remaining at large until his recent capture.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), hailed the arrest as a “significant breakthrough” in the agency’s ongoing campaign against drug cartels.

“This arrest serves as a stern warning to those who think they can hide behind borders to escape justice,” Marwa said. “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.

“He emphasized the agency’s dedication to international partnerships, stating, “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 the Special Operations Unit officers for their professionalism, resilience, and diligence in tracking down the suspect, reaffirming the agency’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in or through Nigeria.

The arrest underscores growing success in cross-border law enforcement cooperation and intelligence-driven crackdowns on high-profile narcotics figures.

Crime

Nigerian Army Contains Unauthorised Cameroonian Military Incursion in Cross River Border

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The Nigerian Army has confirmed that an unauthorised incursion by Cameroonian Armed Forces personnel into Danare Community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State is now fully under control.

According to a statement issued by the 82 Division Nigerian Army, troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Danare swiftly responded on June 9, 2026, after reports of the foreign military presence reached them. The Nigerian forces immediately contacted their Cameroonian counterparts, leading to the peaceful withdrawal of the Cameroonian troops from Nigerian territory in line with established border protocols. The situation was contained without any escalation or confrontation.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a dispute over the collection of levies on farmland situated between Danare Community in Nigeria and Dadi Community in Cameroon.

In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations and prevent recurrence, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division has directed the Commander of 13 Brigade to engage his Cameroonian counterpart. The planned visit aims to enhance border coordination, clarify operational procedures, and build confidence between the two militaries.

The Division reassured residents of Danare and surrounding areas that the situation is calm and under full control, with troops maintaining heightened vigilance along the border.

“Residents of Danare and adjoining areas are reassured that the situation is calm and fully under control,” the statement added.

The Army urged members of the public to remain calm, go about their lawful activities, and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary tension in the area.

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BREAKING: Police Rescue Kidnapped Sister of Ex-minister Adelabu and Twin Sons

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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have successfully rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, alive following a swift late-night operation on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

The rescue took place around 7:30 p.m. as police engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, neutralising two suspected members of the syndicate and recovering two firearms.

The victims were abducted on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, around 7:30 a.m. while on their way to drop the children at school. Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul is the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.

According to police sources, sustained intelligence tracking and tactical pressure on the kidnappers forced them into a confrontation with security operatives, leading to the successful rescue of all three victims unharmed.

Security forces have launched a manhunt and are currently combing surrounding areas for other fleeing members of the kidnapping gang, some of whom are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire.

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FCT Police Foil Midnight Kidnapping, Arrest Viral AK-47 Bandits

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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has recorded significant successes in its ongoing fight against crime, foiling a midnight kidnapping attempt in Byazhin and arresting several high-profile suspects, including bandits who recently flaunted AK-47 rifles on social media.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit stormed a residential area near Paze Hills in Byazhin in the early hours of Thursday and disrupted armed men attempting to break into a building to abduct its occupants. A couple was rescued unharmed during the operation.

The victims expressed relief at the timely intervention by the police.

In a related development, the police arrested three suspected bandits who gained notoriety after appearing in viral social media videos brandishing AK-47 rifles while dressed in military camouflage. The suspects were tracked and apprehended in Runji village, Zuba. Items recovered from them include one AK-47 rifle, eight mobile phones, two jackknives, power banks, and several incriminating photographs and videos.

FCT Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, who paraded the suspects before journalists, vowed continued aggressive action against criminal elements.

The Command also presented a suspect and his girlfriend over the alleged kidnapping and murder of 22-year-old Emmanuel Chukwuemeka. Police investigations revealed that the suspect lured the victim to a mountainous area in Lokogoma over a dispute involving fraudulent proceeds before allegedly killing him.

In another operation, security operatives arrested a wanted suspect linked to the supply of ammunition to bandits, terrorists, and kidnapping gangs operating in the North Central region and the FCT. Arms and ammunition were recovered during the operation.

Additionally, two suspected “one-chance” robbers were arrested after they allegedly attacked a female commuter along the Giri-Lugbe road.

The CP used the occasion to dismiss social media reports of a recent kidnapping at a school in Gbagalape, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Meanwhile, the FCT Police Command has begun strict enforcement against vehicles with unauthorised tinted glasses across the territory.

The breakthroughs come despite the rainy weather as officers continue to intensify patrols and intelligence-led operations to make the nation’s capital safer.

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