By Erewunmi Peace

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Lekan Jimoh, popularly known as “Kanmo-Kanmo”, a notorious drug lord who had eluded authorities for over a decade. His arrest marks the end of a 12-year manhunt linked to the killing of three NDLEA officers in 2014.

Kanmo-Kanmo was apprehended on Friday, January 16, 2026, at his hideout in Owode, Ogun State, after intelligence-led operations by NDLEA operatives.

At the time of arrest, officers recovered 69 kilograms of skunk, a potent form of cannabis, from his possession.

The drug lord had been on NDLEA’s most-wanted list since June 2014, following an attack that resulted in the deaths of three agency officers during an attempted arrest. Despite several previous operations targeting him, Kanmo-Kanmo remained elusive until now.

“This arrest is a major breakthrough and a triumph of justice. It reinforces the message that no fugitive is beyond the reach of the law,” an NDLEA spokesperson said.

The arrest has been hailed by law enforcement and public safety advocates as a significant victory in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
.
Background:
Kanmo-Kanmo had built a criminal empire over the years, trafficking large quantities of drugs across states and allegedly maintaining armed networks to resist law enforcement.

His capture is expected to disrupt criminal networks and send a strong warning to other fugitives.

NDLEA officials confirm that the investigation is ongoing and that more arrests linked to the drug network may follow.