The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has launched Operation Kosaye in Lagos and Ogun states as part of a renewed security initiative aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across the two states.
The operation, which is supported by the Lagos and Ogun State governments through the provision of logistics, is designed to flush out criminal elements from forests, border communities, identified hideouts and other black spots believed to be used by kidnappers and armed gangs.
Addressing journalists at the Ogun State Police Training School in Iperu, the Commissioners of Police for Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Tijani Fatai, said the operation had already recorded significant results.
According to the police commissioners, operatives rescued five victims who were kidnapped along the Ijebu Ode-Sagamu-Benin Expressway on June 25, while five suspected kidnappers were neutralised and four others arrested during separate operations.
The police chiefs added that security personnel had combed and cleared identified forests and bushes across Lagos and Ogun states, including border communities adjoining Ondo and Oyo states, in a sustained effort to deny criminal groups safe havens.
“The operation is aimed at clearing forests, border communities, criminal hideouts and other black spots used by kidnappers and other criminal elements,” the commissioners said.
They also stated that, based on available intelligence and ongoing operations, no resident was currently being held captive by criminal gangs within the operational areas, while several criminal hideouts and illegal shanties had been dismantled.
The commissioners noted that security operatives would continue to sustain the operation to prevent criminal groups from re-establishing bases within the affected communities.
“All identified forests and bushes across Lagos and Ogun states, including areas bordering Ondo and Oyo states, have been combed and cleared of kidnappers and bandits,” they said.
They urged residents of both states to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information capable of preventing crime.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report anyone with gunshot wounds or suspicious movements to the nearest police station as we continue efforts to keep our communities safe,” the police chiefs added.
The launch of Operation Kosaye marks the latest effort by the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen inter-state security collaboration and intensify operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes in the South-West.
