Global Intelligence Collaboration Leads to Arrest of Major Drug Kingpin and Korean Commendation
- Oludare Ogunlana
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
In a powerful display of international cooperation and intelligence sharing, Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been commended by the Republic of Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) for the arrest of 59-year-old Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a notorious transnational drug baron who had eluded authorities for 17 years.
The operation, carried out in Lagos on February 12, 2025, was the result of a coordinated effort between NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit and international law enforcement partners. Jeff, previously imprisoned and deported from South Korea in 2008 for drug trafficking offenses, had since orchestrated large-scale narcotics shipments into the country, prompting an Interpol red notice and a high-level request from the NIS for NDLEA’s intervention.
At the heart of this success is Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Ret.), the NDLEA Chairman and CEO, whose visionary leadership and reforms have elevated the agency into a globally respected and intelligence-driven institution. General Marwa’s distinguished military background, combined with his commitment to systemic transformation, sets him apart among his peers. Unlike many in similar roles, Marwa has instilled operational discipline, expanded international partnerships, and embraced intelligence-led policing as the cornerstone of drug law enforcement in Nigeria.
Under his leadership, the NDLEA has achieved unprecedented arrests, disrupted sophisticated drug networks, and fortified Nigeria’s role in the global war on narcotics. His emphasis on professionalism, transparency, and results-based enforcement has restored credibility to the agency and positioned it as a dependable partner to the international intelligence community.
During a visit to NDLEA Headquarters on April 16, 2025, a delegation from Korea’s NIS delivered a formal letter of appreciation from Director Taeyong Cho, hailing the operation as a “first special cooperation” success. Director Cho praised the NDLEA’s “exceptional cooperation” and reaffirmed the significance of the arrest in the broader campaign against drug trafficking in East Asia.
In response, General Marwa emphasized Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to global security. “The world can always count on Nigeria,” he stated, while expressing gratitude for Korea’s donation of critical equipment to support NDLEA operations. He also noted his willingness to explore Korean-led training opportunities for NDLEA officers and promised a thorough legal review of Korea’s extradition request.
As a U.S.-based private security and intelligence firm, ÒGÚN Security Research and Strategic Consulting (OSRS) commends this achievement and sees immense opportunity for collaboration. Headquartered in Texas, OSRS is uniquely positioned to support the operational and strategic objectives of the NDLEA through:
Cybersecurity enhancement, including digital forensics and securing the NDLEA infrastructure against transnational threats;
Threat intelligence fusion, using open-source intelligence (OSINT), dark web monitoring, and cross-border investigative support;
Technology consulting, including the deployment of AI-powered analytics tools to detect patterns in illicit financial flows and narcotics networks.
OSRS stands ready to serve as a trusted private sector partner in reinforcing Nigeria’s drug interdiction strategies and offering training, tools, and intelligence capabilities tailored to 21st-century challenges.
At a time when the global narcotics trade grows increasingly sophisticated, it takes forward-looking leadership and strategic alliances to stay ahead. With leaders like General Marwa and collaborative platforms that include OSRS and international partners, Nigeria is proving itself as a formidable force in the global fight against drugs.
—For strategic partnerships or consultation inquiries, contact OSRS at contact@ogunsecurity.com.Visit us at www.ogunsecurity.com
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