The Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime following the launch of Operation Kosaye, a joint security initiative aimed at flushing out criminals from both states.
The operation has already delivered significant results, with five kidnapped victims rescued, four suspected kidnappers killed during a rescue mission, and 88 criminal suspects arrested.
Moreover, security operatives recovered several dangerous weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally made pistols, ammunition, mobile phones, and communication devices. Police authorities believe the operation will further weaken criminal networks operating around forests, border communities, and major highways.
The joint security exercise was officially launched at the Police Training School in Iperu-Remo. It was attended by the Commissioners of Police for Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Fatai Tijani, alongside other senior security officials.
Speaking during the launch, Commissioner Ojajuni explained that “Kosaye,” a Yoruba expression meaning “there is no hiding place for criminals,” reflects the mission behind the operation.
According to him, the initiative was introduced by the Inspector-General of Police with the support of both the Lagos and Ogun State governments.
Furthermore, he noted that security personnel have intensified operations across forests, border communities, and suspected criminal hideouts. Several camps allegedly used by kidnappers and other violent criminals have also been dismantled.
One of the biggest successes recorded so far came during an operation along the Ijebu-Ode corridor.
According to Ojajuni, five kidnapped victims were rescued safely after security operatives confronted the suspects in a fierce operation.
“The five victims were rescued during an operation along the Ijebu-Ode corridor. Four suspected kidnappers were killed during the rescue, while four others were arrested,” he said.
The commissioner further disclosed that beyond the kidnapping suspects, police have arrested many other criminal suspects linked to different offences across both states.
He revealed that 88 suspects have so far been taken into custody.
The figure includes the four kidnapping suspects arrested during the rescue operation and another 84 criminal suspects apprehended through ongoing raids and intelligence-led operations.
Meanwhile, police displayed several recovered exhibits believed to have been used by criminal gangs.
The recovered items included AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally made pistols, ammunition, mobile phones, and communication equipment.
Investigators believe the weapons and communication devices will assist ongoing investigations into criminal activities across the region.
Furthermore, the joint operation is expected to continue for an extended period as security agencies intensify efforts to reduce violent crimes.
Police authorities assured residents that the increased presence of security personnel should not cause panic.
Instead, they described the deployment as part of proactive measures to improve safety and restore public confidence.
Ojajuni also appealed to members of the public to support the operation by providing useful information to security agencies.
He urged residents to immediately report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds or any information that could assist ongoing investigations.
The commissioner stressed that intelligence from the public remains one of the strongest weapons against organised crime.
Meanwhile, residents have been encouraged to remain vigilant while carrying out their daily activities.
