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Operatives of the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands have arrested 88 suspects, rescued five kidnapped victims, and neutralised four criminal elements during Operation “Kosaye”—a Yoruba term meaning “no chance”—a large-scale joint security exercise conducted across Ogun, Lagos, and extending to the Oyo State boundary.
Addressing journalists on Saturday at the Ogun State Police Training College, Iperu, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that the operation is an initiative of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, designed to systematically dismantle criminal networks and restore public confidence in the affected regions.
According to CP Ojajuni, the operation resulted in the arrest of 84 suspects—comprising 75 males and nine females—with an additional four suspects apprehended during a separate rescue mission. The rescue operation was triggered by a kidnapping incident along the Ore–Ogbere Road on Thursday, during which five victims were successfully freed. In the course of that engagement, four kidnappers were neutralised, and four others taken into custody, bringing the total number of arrests to 88.
CP Ojajuni stated: “We formally launched Operation ‘Kosaye’ in Lagos and Ogun states. The initiative, which is fully supported and sponsored by the governors of both states, aims to eliminate banditry and clear all criminal hideouts. We have cleared bushes from Ikeja through Kara Bridge, Redeem Camp, and the Isheri corridor, extending to Owode Egba, Ogere, Ijebu Igbo, Ijebu Ode, and the J4 axis on the Ondo State fringe. Similarly, we have combed Epe, Ikorodu, Ogijo, and other critical areas.”
He assured citizens that the operation had effectively debunked rumours of widespread banditry, noting: “We are free of bandits and kidnappers in Lagos, and no Nigerian is being held against their will in these states.”
Recovered items from the operation include an assortment of arms and ammunition—among them AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, English and locally-made pistols, as well as battle axes, cutlasses, and mobile phones.
The Ogun CP called for calm and urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly instructing them to report any individual seen with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station without delay.
Echoing his counterpart’s remarks, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, moved to allay public apprehension regarding the presence of bandits in Lagos, confirming that all identified thickets and forested areas had been thoroughly searched. He reiterated that the exercise is ongoing and will be sustained across both states.
CP Tijani added: “To further dispel doubts and unfounded rumours, we have combed every bush within Lagos and Ogun. This is a continuous operation, and we assure the people that the Inspector General of Police remains fully committed. We also extend our appreciation to the governors of Lagos and Ogun for their unwavering support and partnership in this initiative.”
