Security operatives from Lagos and Ogun states have recorded major successes in a joint operation targeting criminal gangs operating along the border communities of both states.
The security exercise, codenamed Operation Kosaye—a Yoruba expression meaning “there is no hiding place”—led to the arrest of 88 suspects, the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the recovery of arms and ammunition, and the killing of four suspected kidnappers during separate encounters with security personnel.
The operation was launched by the Nigeria Police Force to dismantle kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery gangs and other criminal groups using forests and border communities between Lagos and Ogun as hideouts.
Police teams from both states carried out coordinated raids in forests and known criminal hideouts, including the J3/J4 area of Ogbere in Ogun State and other identified flashpoints along the Lagos-Ogun border.
Speaking at the launch of the operation at the Police Training School in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, the Commissioners of Police for Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Tijani Fatai, said the operation was designed to flush criminals out of forests and other ungoverned areas.
Ojajuni explained that the name "Kosaye" reflects the mission of ensuring that criminals have no place to hide within the Lagos-Ogun corridor.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, praised the security agencies for the successful operation, describing it as a clear example of the importance of collaboration between neighbouring states.
He said the arrests and rescues demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and assured residents that his administration would continue supporting security agencies to keep the state safe.
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Sanwo-Olu also urged members of the public to assist law enforcement officers by reporting suspicious activities and criminal hideouts.
Similarly, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the operation as a proactive response to growing security threats in the region.
He said the joint effort had restored public confidence in the police and made both Lagos and Ogun increasingly unsafe for kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals who previously exploited the shared border communities.
Abiodun commended the Inspector-General of Police, the commissioners of police and all officers involved, noting that intelligence sharing and cooperation between states remain essential in tackling crime.
Authorities said Operation Kosaye will continue as security operatives intensify surveillance and comb forests, border communities and other locations believed to be used as criminal hideouts.
Both state governments also reaffirmed their commitment to providing the necessary logistics and resources to strengthen security operations across the Lagos-Ogun axis.
