Just In: Mexico’s Most Powerful Cartel Leader Killed in Military Operation
- Security forces kill Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho", leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, during a major operation
- The military operation leads to the deaths of four cartel members and injuries to military personnel in Jalisco
- United States intelligence aided Mexican authorities in capturing El Mencho, a major drug dealer
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Mexico - Security forces have killed Mexico's most wanted man and the leader of the feared Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho", was killed during a security operation to arrest him on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
Source: Twitter
El Mencho, a former police officer, ran a vast criminal organization.
The defence ministry has said "El Mencho” was transported to Mexico City, after being seriously injured in clashes between his supporters and the army
As reported by BBC News, four CJNG members were killed and another two seriously injured in the operation in the town of Tapalpa, in the central-western state of Jalisco.
According to the ministry’s statement, three members of the military were also injured.
CJNG has spread from its original power base in Jalisco to have an almost nationwide presence across Mexico.
The Mexican defence ministry said the US had supplied Mexico with information that assisted its operation.
The ministry also said that several armoured vehicles and weapons - including rocket launchers - were seized during the operation.
El Mencho was responsible for trasporting huge quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States.
It had offered a $15m (£11.1m) reward for information leading to El Mencho's capture.
Wanted drug lord arrested after 7 years
Recall that Ibrahim Momoh, a drug kingpin with the alias Ibrahim Bendel, was re-apprehended by the authorities after escaping prison seven years ago.
The notorious drug peddler was said to have been convicted for drug peddling and condemned to prison but escaped in 2016.
A raid by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) led to his recent arrest.
Read more similar stories on wanted drug dealers:
- NDLEA Operatives, Armed Men of Wanted Drug Lord Engage in Gun Battle
- At Last, NDLEA Arrests Wanted Drug Lord After 5 Months Chase
- Afam Mallinson Ukatu: Owner of 103 Bank Accounts, Philosopher, Other Facts About Arrested Drug Lord
- Otoniel: Video, Stunning Revelations Emerge as Police Finally Nab Colombia's Most-Wanted Drug Lord
- 3 Notorious Drug Kingpins, 16 Others Bag 302 Years Jail Term
- No Escape Route: Drama as NDLEA Operatives Storm Church to Arrest Wanted Drug Dealer
NDLEA declares top drug cartel wanted
Legit.ng also reported that following a recent court order, the NDLEA was declared four associates of a Lagos kingpin wanted.
The agency noted that the suspects were reportedly linked to Barryshine’s drug operations, linking them to multiple criminal networks.
Members of the public with any information on the whereabouts of the four wanted suspects are encouraged to contact the nearest NDLEA Command.
Source: Legit.ng
