South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has officially commended Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for capturing a long-wanted drug trafficker, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, whose illegal operations spanned nearly two decades and involved narcotics worth billions of naira. Jeff, 59, was finally arrested on February 12 by NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit at a hideout in Ojo, Lagos. This arrest followed close collaboration between Nigerian authorities and the NIS, backed by an Interpol Red Notice.
Jeff had been on the radar of Korean authorities since serving a one-year prison sentence in South Korea back in 2007 for drug trafficking. He was deported to Nigeria in 2008 but continued to evade law enforcement efforts until his recent capture. The NIS described Jeff as a major figure in smuggling large amounts of drugs into South Korea, stating that his continued freedom posed a significant challenge to their anti-drug campaign.
A South Korean delegation led by Choi Younkwan and Kim Juseok visited the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on April 16. They delivered a formal letter of appreciation from NIS Director Taeyong Cho to NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd). In the letter, Cho acknowledged the critical role played by the NDLEA, saying their support was instrumental in finally apprehending the suspect. He noted that without Nigeria’s help, the pursuit of justice might have stalled permanently.
During the visit, the NIS team also submitted a request for Jeff’s extradition to South Korea so he can face fresh legal proceedings. In response, General Marwa expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global partnerships in the fight against drug trafficking. He assured the delegation that the extradition request would be carefully reviewed according to Nigerian laws and international agreements.
Marwa also used the opportunity to thank South Korea for its past support, including the donation of critical operational equipment. He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and expressed interest in future training programs for NDLEA officers, aimed at boosting capacity in tackling international drug crimes.
The case is now being reviewed by relevant Nigerian authorities, and both nations appear ready to strengthen their cooperation in bringing international drug traffickers to justice.
