The 58-year-old suspect, Uzoma Valentine Ilomuanya, was apprehended during a coordinated operation by the agency’s Special Operations Unit on February 23, 2026.

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.

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 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.

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In a statement, the service identified the suspects as Muhammed Alhaji Mohammed, 55, and Sani Gesha, 47. They were intercepted at Mararaban Tula in Kaltungo Local Government Area while travelling in a grey Toyota Corolla with registration number Taraba JAL475YQ.

Security sources disclosed that the operation followed three weeks of covert surveillance targeting a suspected arms supply network operating across Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa states. The suspects reportedly confessed during preliminary interrogation that the weapons were to be delivered to a contact in Kukawa Village, Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State.

In a separate operation, DSS operatives rescued a six-year-old boy, Mohammed Jabir, who was allegedly lured and kidnapped under the pretext of being taught how to ride a motorcycle.

The suspect in the abduction case, identified as Salisu Hussain, has been taken into custody, while the child has been reunited with his parents.

The DSS said all suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

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The intervention followed reports of communal clashes between the Ahor and Uselu communities, which had forced residents to abandon their homes.

Acting on credible intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, deployed tactical teams to the affected areas, resulting in the apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of firearms and ammunition, while peace has now returned to the community.

Acting on this directive, combined teams of operatives stormed and thoroughly combed the entire community, ransacking identified flashpoints and hideouts in a carefully coordinated, intelligence-led operation supervised by the Divisional Police Officer. The sustained presence and strategic sweep of the area led to the interception and arrest of four suspects.

During the operation, two (2) AK-47 rifles and two (2) magazines loaded with thirty-three (33) rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspects. The arrested persons are:
1.Jabir Saleh
2.Musa Lawal a.k.a Gambo
3.Gaddafi Iliyasu
4.Salau Haliru

Preliminary investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, calls on all residents who temporarily relocated to return to their homes and lawful businesses, assuring them that adequate security architecture has been emplaced to guarantee their safety.

He further reiterates that the Command will not tolerate any form of violence or criminality in Edo State. Any individual or group found threatening the peace will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law.

The Command remains committed to sustaining aggressive intelligence-driven operations to ensure lasting peace across the State.

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The operation was carried out along the Katsina-Ala–Zaki Biam Road in Amafu, Iwer Local Government Area, as part of ongoing efforts to combat criminal and terrorist activities in the state.

According to a statement issued on March 1, 2026, by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, the troops acted on credible intelligence provided by local residents. They mobilised alongside operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard to the identified location.

On arrival, the security team encountered suspected bandits, leading to a gun battle. Two of the suspects were neutralised during the exchange, while others reportedly fled into nearby bushland, some believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.

Following a search of the area, troops recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a pair of green camouflage uniforms allegedly abandoned by the fleeing suspects.

The Force Commander of Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response. He said their proactive approach continues to yield positive results in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

He also appreciated members of the local community for providing timely intelligence and urged residents to maintain cooperation with security agencies. The commander reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and called for sustained collaboration among security agencies to ensure lasting peace and stability in the area.

Operation WHIRL STROKE is a joint military task force operating in parts of north-central Nigeria to address security challenges.

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The Command emphasized that the arrests were carried out in full compliance with due process and established criminal investigation procedures, with no operational guidelines compromised. The suspects voluntarily provided confessional statements, both written and video-recorded, admitting involvement in the alleged offences. These statements will form part of the evidence used in prosecution.

While noting the allegations, the Police Command has ordered a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation to ascertain the facts. The public is encouraged to come forward with any relevant information or evidence to aid the process.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, affirmed that he has never directed, and will never direct, any officer to collect money for any purpose, stressing that such actions contradict the ethical standards of the Nigeria Police Force and the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

The Ondo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to community-centred policing and the protection of lives and property across the state. The public is assured that anyone found culpable will face decisive legal action.

Members of the public are urged to continue cooperating with the Police and report any credible information through official channels to help maintain security and public trust.

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The drug lord was first arrested in 2013 over the shipment of cocaine into Nigeria and was subsequently arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court Lagos in charge no. FHC/L/187c/2923.

He however jumped bail and went into hiding after the trial judge granted him bail in 2013 and has since remained at large.

In February 2024, his name featured prominently as one of the masterminds of the shipment of 49.70 kilograms heroin imported from South Africa following the interception of the consignment by NDLEA operatives at the import shed of the Lagos airport.

A follow-up operation was carried out on 19th February 2024 at his Golden Platinum Hotel & Suites, located at No. 16/18 Reginald Peter Chidiebere Street, Hope Estate, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos where an additional 2.20 kilograms of heroin was recovered from one of his guests, Igbuanugo Ebuka ThankGod. As a result, Chidiebere went underground. The agency however secured the interim forfeiture of his hotel and blocked all bank accounts traced to him since 2024.

Following these developments, Chidiebere could no longer sustain himself in hiding, prompting his surrender to the agency on 13th February 2026 and has since been taken into custody to face his pending charges for which he jumped bail in 2013 and fresh charges based on the 2024 heroin consignments linked to him.

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On 28/02/2026 at about 1030hrs, based on credible intelligence, police operatives attached to Mararaba ‘A’ Division arrested two suspects, namely: Abdulrahaman Danjuma ‘M’, aged 31 years, of Mararaba, and Saadu Umar M’, aged 34 years, of Zone Four, FCT Abuja, at Tudun Wada area of Mararaba, Karu LGA of Nasarawa bState. During the operation, an unregistered white DAF truck cabin, suspected to have been stolen, was recovered.

A search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of two number plates: DGA 118 XA and USS 168 XA.

Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to stealing the trailer from Kogi State and driving it to Mararaba. They further disclosed that they had sold the trailer body to a yet-to-be-identified person through the assistance of a proxy who is currently at large, at the cost of four million naira (₦4,000,000).

The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their professionalism and charged them to intensify efforts to apprehend other suspects connected to the crime.

He also directed the immediate transfer of the suspects and the recovered exhibit to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lafia, for discreet and comprehensive investigation.

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Speaking at the decoration ceremony held at the State House following the retirement of Kayode Egbetokun, the President urged Disu to restore public confidence in the police and prioritise the safety of lives and property as a central pillar of his administration’s security agents.

“I made this decision for you to assume this responsibility. I know your record. I saw the dedication you exhibited while you were in Lagos when I was governor,” the President said.

President Tinubu described Disu’s appointment as coming at a critical moment, urging him to rebuild public confidence in the police’s capacity to do their job in collaboration with other security forces.

“Lead firmly but fairly, demand professionalism at every level and ensure that the safety of lives and property remains our highest priority. It’s a daunting challenge. I know you can do it. You have my word, you have my full support,” the President added.

President Tinubu urged Disu to advance the security pillars of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He expressed confidence in the Acting IGP’s discipline, operational experience and leadership capacity. 

“Nigeria is challenged with banditry, terrorism and other criminal activities. You will be part of the thinking and innovation to overcome them,” the President said. 

He reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria would prevail under a committed leadership.

President Tinubu also paid tribute to the outgoing Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was present with his spouse.

“To the outgoing Inspector-General, we are a grateful nation. Nigeria appreciates your contribution to maintaining law and order,” he said. 

He urged Egbetokun to be ready to offer useful advice to his successor and wished him and his family peace, good health and success in future endeavours.

“You have not succeeded without a good successor. His success will also be part of your legacy,” Tinubu stated.

The President urged all security stakeholders to work collectively to safeguard lives and property during this critical period.

Present at the decoration were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, AIG Hakeem Odumosu (rtd), senior government officials, as well as the parents and family members of the Acting IGP.

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The suspect, who had reportedly been on the run for nearly four years, was apprehended following sustained intelligence operations, marking a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to bring those responsible for the deadly attacks to justice.

A security source disclosed that DSS, operatives, who had for years been on the trail of the sixth suspect, identified as Sani Yusuf, arrested him in Iguosa community, along Powerline in Ovia North Local Government Area of Edo State.

According to the source, Yusuf is described as a senior commander of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Following the Owo church attack, he reportedly fled to Kano State before relocating to the Edo community where he was eventually captured.

The source further revealed that Yusuf has confessed to participating in the planning and execution of the Owo church attack. He also allegedly admitted involvement in other ISWAP operations, including the July 2022 attack on the military barracks in Suleja and multiple kidnapping incidents in Kaduna State and surrounding areas.

“He admitted his role in the Owo church attack, the Zuma Rock checkpoint assault that claimed the lives of five soldiers, and several ISWAP kidnap operations,” the source said.

Another source added that Yusuf disclosed he operated under senior ISWAP commanders, including Abu Ikirimah, who was arrested by the DSS in 2024.

The arrest is being described as a major breakthrough in efforts to secure justice for the victims of the Owo church massacre and the soldiers killed at the Zuma Rock checkpoint in Suleja, underscoring the DSS’s sustained campaign against terrorism.

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In line with the Police Act 2020, the President has appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect. AIG Disu’s appointment is expected to provide steady leadership during a critical period for the Nigeria Police Force, with the formal confirmation process to follow through the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate.

President Tinubu expressed his profound appreciation for Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation.

The President acknowledged his dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to strengthening internal security architecture during his tenure.

Appointed in June 2023, Egbetokun was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.

In view of the current security challenges confronting the nation, and acting in accordance with extant laws and legal guidance, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to serve as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect.

The President is confident that AIG Disu’s experience, operational depth, and demonstrated leadership capacity will provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force during this critical period.

In compliance with the provisions of the Police Act 2020, President Tinubu will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council shortly to formally consider the appointment of AIG Disu as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be transmitted to the Senate for confirmation.

The President reiterates his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable, and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.

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