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Korean Intelligence Service commends NDLEA on arrest of wanted Nigerian drug baron, seeks suspect’s extradition

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Korean Intelligence Service commends NDLEA on arrest of wanted Nigerian drug baron, seeks suspect’s extradition

By: Michael Mike

The National Intelligence Service of the Republic of Korea (NIS) has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, for its exceptional effort and professionalism in apprehending a wanted 59-year-old drug baron Ogbonnaya Kevin.

Ogbonnaya, who have been operating for 17 years underground where he shipped illicit drugs worth billions of naira across the world, was ended in February following his arrest by NDLEA operatives in Lagos.

Ogbonnaya had for years been a pain in the neck of the Korean authorities following the persistent shipment of illicit drugs linked to him to South Korea. As a result, an Interpol red notice was issued against him, while the National Intelligence Service of South Korea sought the help of NDLEA in tracking and arresting him.

He had served a one-year prison sentence in Korea in 2007 for drug offences and deported to Nigeria in 2008. After years of being on his trail, operatives of a Special Operations Unit of NDLEA eventually arrested him on 12th February 2025, at his hideout at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos.

Excited with the breakthrough, a delegation from the Korean Intelligence Service on Wednesday paid the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) a courtesy visit to deliver a letter of appreciation by the Director of NIS, Taeyong Cho.

In his letter, Cho expressed gratitude for Marwa’s support and “the NDLEA’s exceptional cooperation during our recent joint operation, which led to the arrest of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a key figure in an international drug organization.”

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.

“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 comprising: Messrs Choi Younkwan and Kim Juseok sought for 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 the world can always count on Nigeria in the global effort against illicit drug trafficking.
“We’re delighted to partner with you and be of service to you because your Service has a long history of professionalism. We want to give the assurance that at any time, you can count on us to work together with you towards a drug-free world”, the NDLEA boss stated.

He thanked the Korean government for the donation of some equipment to the agency, adding that they “will be of tremendous help to us as we continue to execute our job of keeping Nigeria and the world safe from drug traffickers.” He said he will study their request for extradition and work within the limits allowed by the Nigerian laws and the bilateral agreements between the two countries. He expressed hope in the possibility of getting training opportunities for NDLEA officers in Korean Intelligence training institution as part of the evolving partnership.

Korean Intelligence Service commends NDLEA on arrest of wanted Nigerian drug baron, seeks suspect’s extradition

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Military

COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors

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COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors

By Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the critical role of Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) in strengthening discipline, leadership and operational effectiveness across the Nigerian Army.

The COAS made the remarks on Friday during the commissioning of the newly constructed 6 Division Regimental Sergeant Major’s House in Port Harcourt as part of activities marking the 163rd Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2026).

Speaking at the event, Lt.-Gen. Shaibu described RSMs as the backbone of regimental administration and custodians of discipline, standards and morale within the Army.

He said the provision of dedicated accommodation for RSMs was not merely a welfare initiative but a strategic investment aimed at enhancing leadership at the unit level and improving operational efficiency.

According to the Army Chief, RSMs play a vital role in translating command directives into action, maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring effective implementation of operational orders across various theatres of operation.

He added that the senior non-commissioned officers also serve as the crucial link between officers and soldiers, fostering professionalism, mutual trust and esprit de corps within formations and units.

Shaibu noted that the influence of RSMs in mentoring soldiers, enforcing discipline and sustaining troop morale remains indispensable to the success of military operations.

He stressed that providing conducive accommodation for key regimental leaders would enhance their ability to discharge their responsibilities effectively and contribute to improved operational readiness.

The COAS reiterated that under his “Soldier First” philosophy, the welfare of personnel, particularly those occupying critical leadership positions, remains a top priority.

He maintained that sustained investment in welfare infrastructure and leadership development would continue to strengthen the Nigerian Army’s capacity to remain a resilient, professional and combat-ready force capable of addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.

COAS commissions 6 Division RSM House, reaffirms frontline leadership role of regimental sergeant majors

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Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee

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Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have intercepted a herd of cattle found grazing in a restricted area in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops of Sector 4 OPEP responded to a report of illegal grazing at about 3:30 p.m. on Friday in Nyerwie village.

The sources said that upon arrival at the location, the troops found a herd of cattle grazing in the restricted area.

The herders reportedly fled into nearby bushes on sighting the troops, abandoning the livestock.

The intercepted cattle were subsequently moved to a secure location for necessary administrative action, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing herders, the sources said.

Troops intercept cattle grazing in restricted area in Plateau, herders flee

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Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos

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Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected vandals in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State for allegedly stealing construction materials from an ongoing road construction site.

Security sources said the suspects, identified as Arin Itse, 21, and Agwom Christopher, 19, were arrested at about 9:30 a.m. on Friday during a routine patrol by troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, along the Kwanga road in Jos North.

The sources said the suspects were intercepted while in possession of iron rods suspected to have been stolen from a road construction company handling an ongoing project in the area.

According to the sources, the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation, while the recovered iron rods were handed over to the construction company.

The sources added that investigations were ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and whether other persons were involved.

Troops Arrest Two Suspected Vandals, Recover Stolen Construction Materials in Jos

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