The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a wanted drug lord, Emmanuel Eke, also known as “Ike Fuji,” in Imo State, ending a 13-year period during which he evaded capture, the agency confirmed on Saturday.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is Nigeria’s principal agency responsible for combating the production, trafficking, and use of illegal drugs.

High-profile arrests of drug trafficking suspects are part of the agency’s mandate to enforce Nigeria’s drug laws and disrupt illicit networks.

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said in a statement that Eke was arrested at his hideout in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday.

The agency said Eke had been listed on its most wanted list since 2013 for alleged involvement in drug trafficking, importation, and distribution across several Nigerian states.

Babafemi said items recovered from the suspect included quantities of cocaine, tramadol, cannabis, and paraphernalia used for distribution. He added that the operatives also seized some mobile phones and vehicles linked to the suspect.

The NDLEA stated that Eke would be transferred to its headquarters in Abuja for further interrogation and processing.

According to the agency, Eke’s arrest followed sustained intelligence gathering and operational coordination among NDLEA teams across multiple states.

The spokesman said that the operation involved surveillance and tracking that ultimately led to Eke’s location in Imo State.

Babafemi said that several of Eke’s known associates have been arrested previously, and the agency continues efforts to dismantle associated networks.

The arrest of a long-wanted drug trafficking suspect is expected to bolster ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to disrupt illegal drug supply chains.

Following processing at the agency’s Abuja headquarters, charges will be filed according to Nigeria’s drug laws