Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a long-wanted drug kingpin, Lekan Jimoh, popularly known as “Kanmo-Kanmo,” more than 12 years after his alleged involvement in the killing of three NDLEA officers during a foiled arrest attempt.
The arrest took place on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Owode town, Ogun State, following an intelligence-led operation by NDLEA tactical teams, the agency said in a statement on Sunday. During the operation, the suspect was found in possession of 69 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said Jimoh had been on the agency’s wanted list since June 15, 2014, when he allegedly mobilised armed thugs to resist arrest at his enclave, leading to the brutal killing of three officers, including Rabiu Usman Kazaure. Babafemi described Jimoh as notorious for drug trafficking, evading arrest and mobilising armed thugs against security agents.
“Following his involvement in the brutal killing of three NDLEA officers, Kanmo-Kanmo, who is notorious for drug trafficking, evading arrest and mobilising armed thugs against security agents, was on Friday, 16th January, tracked to his hideout in Owode town, Ogun State by tactical teams of the agency following credible intelligence,” Babafemi said.
He said the arrest marked a significant breakthrough in the agency’s long-standing resolve to ensure that no fugitive remains beyond the reach of justice.
Jimoh’s criminal history included a previous encounter with NDLEA operatives on August 12, 2023, when his residence in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, was raided and 139 sacks of skunk weighing 1,922 kilograms were recovered. At that time, Jimoh escaped, but the property used as a drug warehouse was subsequently forfeited to the Federal Government following court proceedings.
The arrest of Jimoh comes amid intensified nationwide operations by the NDLEA against drug trafficking networks. In related efforts, the agency has continued to seize illicit drugs and arrest suspects in various states, underscoring a broader drive to disrupt supply chains and bring traffickers to justice.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.) commended officers involved in the operation, noting that persistent pursuit of long-wanted fugitives reinforces confidence in law enforcement. Marwa said the arrest conveys an unambiguous message to drug traffickers that evading justice for extended periods will not shield them from accountability.
The agency’s ongoing efforts reflect a sustained commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking across Nigeria, with coordinated raids and arrests across several states in recent weeks.
