The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria has received high praise from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of the Republic of Korea for its successful arrest of a notorious drug trafficker, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a 59-year-old Nigerian national long wanted by Korean authorities.
The arrest, which took place in February 2025 in Lagos, marks a significant milestone in the NDLEA’s ongoing fight against transnational drug trafficking and demonstrates the effectiveness of its strengthened international collaborations. The operation was carried out by the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit at the suspect’s hideout in the Igando area of Lagos, following an Interpol red notice and a formal request from South Korea.
Jeff, who served a prison sentence in South Korea in 2007 and was deported in 2008, had continued to operate within a global drug trafficking network, with multiple drug shipments linked to him intercepted over the years.
A delegation from South Korea’s intelligence service, led by officials Choi Younkwan and Kim Juseok, visited NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on April 16, 2025, delivering an official letter of commendation from NIS Director, Cho Tae-yong, to NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.). The letter lauded the NDLEA’s “exceptional cooperation” and “exemplary service,” noting that Jeff’s arrest would not have been possible without Nigeria’s assistance.
“We are truly pleased that our two services have successfully carried out this joint operation. Without the NDLEA’s invaluable support, years of our investigative work might have been in vain,” said Cho in the letter.
In response, Gen. Marwa expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global anti-drug efforts. He also welcomed further collaboration, including the potential extradition of Jeff to South Korea, pending due legal processes and bilateral agreements.
Marwa acknowledged Korea’s past support, particularly the donation of equipment to aid NDLEA operations, and expressed interest in exploring training opportunities for NDLEA personnel through Korean intelligence institutions.
“Our shared commitment to a drug-free world is stronger than ever. The NDLEA remains a willing and reliable partner in combating illicit drug trafficking on the global stage,” he said.
