NDLEA Captures International Drug Kingpin After 17-Year Global Manhunt

A Major Victory in Nigeria’s War Against Drug Trafficking

In a decisive operation that underscores Nigeria’s unyielding fight against drug cartels, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a notorious international drug trafficker who eluded capture for nearly two decades. This high-profile arrest marks a watershed moment in Nigeria’s battle against illicit drug trade and underscores the effectiveness of transnational intelligence cooperation.

For 17 years, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff remained one step ahead of law enforcement, orchestrating an elaborate drug smuggling network spanning multiple continents. His modus operandi was deeply rooted in international drug syndicates, with South Korea, Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Liberia being major hotspots for his operations.

Jeff, 59, had long been on the radar of Interpol and other global anti-narcotics agencies. His illegal empire flourished through a sophisticated laundering system, using electronics importation as a front to channel drug proceeds. Despite a previous arrest and deportation from South Korea in 2008, he continued his criminal activities, solidifying his status as a key player in the international drug underworld.

The long-awaited arrest was meticulously executed on February 12, 2025, when NDLEA operatives raided Jeff’s hideout in Ojo, Lagos. Intelligence-driven surveillance, bolstered by international collaboration, led to his capture, bringing an end to his near two-decade reign of evasion.

During the operation, investigators uncovered damning evidence linking Jeff to an extensive drug smuggling enterprise:

• Multiple Nigerian international passports with Korean visas, suggesting frequent cross-border movements.
• Illicit substances hidden within the premises, further substantiating his ties to drug syndicates.
• Recruitment records of young Nigerians used as drug couriers, proving a well-structured trafficking pipeline to South Korea.

Jeff’s illicit activities extended far beyond Nigerian borders. Authorities in South Korea have been pursuing his extradition, having issued multiple arrest warrants against him. The Seoul Central District Court, where his case remains open, is expected to demand his extradition, with legal experts predicting a possible life sentence upon conviction.

Given the severity of his crimes—including the smuggling of narcotics worth over ₦1.4 billion—Jeff faces a bleak future, with legal proceedings likely to be swift and uncompromising.

Reacting to the arrest, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), issued a strong warning to drug traffickers worldwide:

"This operation serves as a testament that Nigeria is no haven for drug cartels. Our resolve is unwavering—every drug baron will be tracked down, apprehended, and prosecuted."

The NDLEA’s relentless crackdown on high-profile drug syndicates sends an unequivocal message: no criminal network is beyond the agency’s reach.

Jeff’s capture represents a significant breakthrough, highlighting Nigeria’s escalated war on narcotics. With enhanced intelligence sharing, rigorous policy enforcement, and increased international cooperation, the country is making major strides in dismantling powerful drug networks.

The NDLEA has vowed to keep intensifying its crackdown, ensuring that drug trafficking rings are systematically dismantled, and reinforcing Nigeria’s standing as a formidable force in the global anti-narcotics movement.

The fall of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff serves as a cautionary tale for other drug lords operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders. With law enforcement tightening the noose, the era of impunity is fast fading.

Drug barons beware: Nigeria is no longer a playground for illicit trade. The NDLEA is watching.