Operatives of the Ogun and Lagos Police Commands have arrested 88 suspects, rescued five kidnapped victims, and killed four criminals during Operation “Kosaye,” a joint security exercise aimed at eliminating criminal elements in the two states. The operation, launched under the directive of Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, spanned across Ogun, Lagos, and extended to the boundary of Oyo State. It involved extensive bush combing and targeted raids on suspected hideouts, resulting in significant arrests and the recovery of dangerous weapons.
The State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, addressed journalists at the Ogun Police Training College in Iperu on Saturday, confirming the arrest of 84 suspects — 75 males and 9 females — during the operation. He disclosed that five victims, who were kidnapped along the Ore–Ogbe road on Thursday, were successfully rescued. In the course of the rescue mission, four kidnappers were killed and four others apprehended. Ojajuni emphasized that Operation “Kosaye” translates to “no chance” for criminals, underscoring the IGP’s zero-tolerance policy toward banditry and kidnapping.
He stated that the operation was designed to eliminate banditry, clear bushes, and dismantle criminal networks in Lagos and Ogun. “We are here to allay the fears of citizens and dispel rumors of banditry,” Ojajuni said. He added that the police have cleared areas from Ikeja to Kara Bridge, Reedem Camp, Iseri Corridor, Owode Egba, Ogere, Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu Ode, and the J4 axis near Ondo State. Other areas including Epe, Ikorodu, and Ogijo were also thoroughly combed, with shanties and criminal hideouts dismantled.
During the operation, a security breach occurred along the J3-J4 corridor near the Benin-Sagamu Expressway. However, swift police response led to the rescue of the five victims. Items recovered included firearms such as AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, English pistols, locally-made pistols, cutlasses, battle axes, and mobile phones. The commissioner urged residents to remain calm and report any individuals with gunshot wounds immediately to law enforcement.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, echoed these sentiments, reassuring residents that all bushes in Lagos and Ogun have been thoroughly searched. He emphasized that the operation is ongoing and will be replicated across other regions. “The IGP is not resting on his laurels,” Fatai said, praising the governors of Lagos and Ogun for their strong support. He stressed that the exercise aims to dispel misinformation about bandits infiltrating the states and to restore public confidence in security. The operation continues with renewed determination to ensure lasting peace and safety for all residents.
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