NDLEA Nabs Notorious ‘Kanmo-Kanmo’ After 12 Years on the Run Over Killing of Three Officers
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a long-wanted drug trafficking kingpin popularly known as “Kanmo-Kanmo”, 12 years after his alleged involvement in the killing of three NDLEA officers.
The suspect, Lekan Jimoh, was apprehended on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Owode, Ogun State, following a covert, intelligence-driven operation by NDLEA tactical teams.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Sunday, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said operatives recovered 69 kilograms of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, from the suspect’s hideout.
According to Babafemi, Jimoh had been on the NDLEA wanted list since June 15, 2014, when he allegedly mobilised armed thugs to attack officers who attempted to arrest him at his enclave.
“Following his involvement in the brutal killing of three NDLEA officers, ‘Kanmo-Kanmo’, notorious for drug trafficking, evading arrest and mobilising armed thugs against security agents, was tracked to his hideout in Owode town, Ogun State, and arrested on Friday, January 16, 2026, based on credible intelligence,” Babafemi said.
“During the operation, officers recovered 69 kilograms of skunk. This arrest reinforces the agency’s resolve that no fugitive, no matter how long they evade justice, is beyond the reach of the law.”
A 12-YEAR MANHUNT
Babafemi described the suspect’s criminal past as one defined by extreme violence and defiance of law enforcement.
“On June 15, 2014, Jimoh orchestrated a barbaric mob attack on NDLEA officers who attempted to arrest him. The attack resulted in the cold-blooded killing of three officers, including Rabiu Usman Kazaure and two others,” he stated.
Although the suspect escaped at the time, Babafemi said the agency remained committed to bringing him to justice in honour of the fallen officers.
PREVIOUS SEIZURES AND FORFEITED PROPERTY
The NDLEA spokesman recalled that on August 12, 2023, operatives raided Jimoh’s residence in Ado-Odo, Ogun State, where 139 sacks of skunk weighing 1,922 kilograms were recovered.
Jimoh again evaded arrest during that operation. The property, which functioned as a major drug warehouse, was later forfeited to the Federal Government after court proceedings.
OTHER MAJOR NDLEA OPERATIONS
In Edo State, NDLEA operatives on Tuesday, January 13, raided Arokpa Forest in Uzebba town, Owan West Local Government Area, arresting a 53-year-old suspect, Isihor Edika, and seizing 320 kilograms of skunk and cannabis seeds.
In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, a 44-year-old woman, Yinka Agboola, was also arrested in Kaura District over the alleged online sale of illicit drugs.
“The suspect was tracked and arrested following intelligence on her involvement in the online distribution of illicit substances,” Babafemi said.
Recovered items from her residence included 2.2 kilograms of skunk and quantities of cannabis oil.
