A joint security operation across Ogun and Lagos States has dealt a major blow to criminal networks, with police rescuing five kidnapped victims, killing four suspected kidnappers and arresting 88 suspects during the ongoing Operation Kosaye.
The large-scale operation, carried out by operatives of the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands, also involved extensive bush-combing exercises across both states and up to the Oyo State boundary. Among those arrested were 75 men and nine women, while four additional suspected kidnappers were apprehended during the rescue mission.
Speaking to journalists at the Ogun Police Training College in Iperu on Saturday, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said Operation Kosaye, which means “No Chance,” was initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to eliminate criminal elements and strengthen security in Ogun and Lagos States.
Ojajuni disclosed that the operation led to the successful rescue of five travellers kidnapped along the Ore–Ogbere Road on Thursday. During the rescue mission, four suspected kidnappers were neutralised while another four were arrested.
He explained that the operation also focused on clearing forests, criminal hideouts and shanties believed to be used by kidnappers and other criminal gangs. Security operatives combed several locations, including Ikeja, Kara Bridge, Redemption Camp, Iseri, Owode Egba, Ogere, Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu-Ode, J4 near the Ondo State boundary, as well as Epe, Ikorodu and Ogijo.
According to the police, the operation was launched to reassure residents and counter rumours of widespread banditry in both states. Ojajuni maintained that there are currently no bandits or kidnappers holding victims within Lagos State.
The police recovered a cache of weapons and other items during the operation, including AK-47 rifles, assault rifles, pump-action guns, English and locally-made pistols, ammunition, battle axes, cutlasses and mobile phones.
The Ogun Police Commissioner urged residents to remain calm and report anyone with gunshot wounds or suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, assured residents that security agencies had thoroughly searched forests and other vulnerable locations across Lagos and Ogun, dismissing reports that bandits had established camps in the two states.
Fatai said the operation would continue until criminal activities are significantly reduced and added that similar security exercises would be extended to other parts of the country. He also commended the Inspector-General of Police and the governors of Lagos and Ogun States for supporting the initiative aimed at making both states safer for residents.
