The Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands have rolled out Operation Kosaye, a new joint security initiative designed to combat kidnapping and violent crimes in the Southwest region. Launched at the Police Training School in Iperu-Remo, the operation is already showing strong results under the leadership of Commissioners of Police Bode Ojajuni for Ogun State and Fatai Tijani for Lagos State. Backed by the Inspector-General of Police and the two state governments, the campaign targets criminal hideouts across forests and border areas.
Security teams successfully rescued five kidnapped victims during an operation along the Ijebu-Ode corridor. Four suspected kidnappers were killed in the encounter, while four others were arrested. Overall, police have apprehended 88 criminal suspects in the states, including those directly linked to the kidnapping case and 84 additional offenders nabbed in coordinated raids. The name “Kosaye,” meaning “there is no hiding place for criminals” in Yoruba, reflects the determination to leave offenders with nowhere to escape.
During the launch, authorities displayed recovered weapons and items, such as AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally made pistols, ammunition, mobile phones, and communication devices seized from dismantled criminal camps. CP Ojajuni assured residents that the heavy security presence should not cause panic, as the operation will persist until criminal activities are significantly curtailed in both states. He called on the public to remain vigilant and report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds or any information that could assist investigations.
This proactive joint effort between Lagos and Ogun police aims to enhance safety on major routes and in communities long affected by cross-border crimes. With early successes already recorded, Operation Kosaye signals a renewed push for peace and security in Southwest Nigeria, relying on both operational strength and community cooperation.