NDLEA nabs long-fugitive drug kingpin ‘Kanmo-Kanmo’ 12 years after alleged murder of officers
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a notorious drug trafficking suspect popularly known as Kanmo-Kanmo, bringing to an end a 12-year manhunt linked to the alleged killing of three NDLEA personnel.
The suspect, identified as Lekan Jimoh, was apprehended on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Owode, Ogun State, following what the agency described as a carefully planned, intelligence-driven operation by its tactical teams.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said a search of the suspect’s hideout led to the seizure of 69 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.
He noted that Jimoh had been on the agency’s wanted list since June 15, 2014.
According to the NDLEA, Jimoh allegedly orchestrated a violent attack on officers who attempted to arrest him at his base over a decade ago.
The operation reportedly turned deadly after he mobilised armed thugs against the enforcement team, resulting in the killing of three NDLEA officers, including Rabiu Usman Kazaure.
While the suspect managed to escape at the time, the agency maintained surveillance and continued investigations aimed at tracking him down.
Babafemi described the arrest as a major breakthrough, stressing that the agency had remained committed to ensuring justice for its fallen officers despite the passage of time.
He said the suspect’s history was marked by violent resistance to law enforcement and repeated attempts to evade arrest.
The NDLEA also recalled that in August 2023, its operatives raided Jimoh’s residence in Ado-Odo area of Ogun State, where they discovered 139 sacks of skunk weighing about 1,922 kilograms.
The suspect once again escaped during that operation, but the property, which was being used as a storage facility for illicit drugs, was later seized and forfeited to the Federal Government after court proceedings.
In addition to Jimoh’s arrest, the NDLEA announced other successful operations carried out across the country.
In Edo State, operatives raided a forest camp at Arokpa in Uzebba town, Owan West Local Government Area, on Tuesday, January 13.
During the raid, a 53-year-old man, Isihor Edika, was arrested, while 320 kilograms of skunk and cannabis seeds were recovered.
Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, NDLEA officers arrested a 44-year-old woman, Yinka Agboola, in the Kaura District, following intelligence reports that she was involved in the online sale of illicit drugs.
Items recovered from her residence included 2.2 kilograms of skunk and quantities of cannabis oil.
The NDLEA reiterated its resolve to dismantle drug networks nationwide and ensure that individuals responsible for attacks on its officers are brought to justice, no matter how long it takes.
