The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of the Republic of Korea has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for its exceptional efforts and professionalism in apprehending a wanted 59-year-old drug baron, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff.
His 17 years of evading capture, during which he trafficked illicit drugs worth billions of naira across the world, came to an end in February when he was arrested by NDLEA operatives in Lagos State.
The Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said in a statement on Wednesday that Ogbonnaya had been a persistent thorn in the side of Korean authorities due to the continuous shipment of illicit drugs linked to him into South Korea.
As a result, an Interpol red notice was issued against him, and the National Intelligence Service of South Korea sought the assistance of NDLEA in tracking and arresting him.
Ogbonnaya had previously served a one-year prison sentence in Korea in 2007 for drug offenses and was deported to Nigeria in 2008. After years of pursuit, operatives from NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit finally arrested him on February 12, 2025, at his hideout at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos.
Elated by the breakthrough, a delegation from the Korean Intelligence Service visited the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), on April 16, 2025. They delivered a letter of appreciation from the Director of NIS, Taeyong Cho.
In the letter, Cho expressed gratitude for Marwa’s support and for the “exceptional cooperation of NDLEA during our recent joint operation, which led to the arrest of Kevin Jeff, a key figure in an international drug organization.”
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According to the Korean Intelligence chief, “Kevin Jeff was responsible for smuggling significant quantities of narcotics into the Republic of Korea, and the NIS had been tracking him for years. I am truly pleased that our two services have successfully carried out the first special cooperation, enabling us to bring him to justice. Without the NDLEA’s invaluable cooperation, those long-standing efforts might have been in vain.”
He added, “Once again, I extend my deepest gratitude for the NDLEA’s exemplary service in this cooperation. Building on this significant achievement in our joint efforts against drug-related crimes, I look forward to further strengthening our collaboration.”
The NIS delegation, consisting of Messrs. Choi Younkwan and Kim Juseok, requested the extradition of Ogbonnaya to South Korea to face pending drug charges.
In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation for the Koreans’ commendation and assured them that Nigeria would continue to support the global effort against illicit drug trafficking.
“We’re delighted to partner with you and to be of service to you because your Service has a long history of professionalism. We want to assure you that, at any time, you can count on us to work together toward a drug-free world,” the NDLEA boss stated.
He also thanked the Korean government for donating equipment to the Agency, noting that “these will be of tremendous help as we continue our mission of keeping Nigeria and the world safe from drug traffickers.”
Marwa said he would review their extradition request and ensure compliance with Nigerian laws and the bilateral agreements between the two countries. He also expressed hope for training opportunities for NDLEA officers at the Korean Intelligence training institutions as part of the evolving partnership.
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