Security agencies from Lagos and Ogun states have launched a coordinated crackdown on criminal gangs operating along the border communities of both states, resulting in the arrest of 88 suspects, the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the recovery of weapons and ammunition, and the killing of four suspected criminals during separate encounters with security operatives.
The joint security exercise, code-named Operation Kosaye—a Yoruba expression meaning "there is no hiding place"—was introduced by the Nigeria Police Force to dismantle kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery gangs and other violent criminal groups using forests and border settlements between Lagos and Ogun as safe havens.
According to DIP CONNECT ONLINE NEWS, the operation followed coordinated raids carried out by the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands, with officers combing forests and suspected criminal hideouts around the J3/J4 axis of Ogbere in Ogun State and other identified flashpoints across both states.
The security operation has already produced significant results, including the successful rescue of five kidnapped victims, the arrest of 88 suspects and the neutralisation of four suspected kidnappers.
The initiative was officially launched at the Police Training School in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, where the Commissioners of Police for Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Tijani Fatai, outlined the objectives of the operation.
Speaking at the event, Ojajuni said the operation was specifically designed to flush out kidnappers and other dangerous criminals hiding in forests, border communities and other ungoverned areas within the Lagos-Ogun corridor.
He explained that the name "Kosaye" reflects the mission of ensuring that criminals have no refuge anywhere within the two neighbouring states.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, praised the initiative, describing it as a strong example of how collaboration between neighbouring states can effectively combat insecurity.
In a statement issued by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Sanwo-Olu commended the police and other security agencies for what he described as a massive offensive against criminal elements.
He noted that the success recorded so far demonstrates the value of intelligence-driven policing and close cooperation between Lagos and Ogun states.
"We will continue to work with the police and other security agencies to ensure that our state is safe and secure for residents and visitors.
"We appreciate the huge efforts of the police as directed by Inspector-General Olatunji Disu, in arresting the suspects and the cooperation of our neighbours, Ogun State. This is the way it should be," Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor also appealed to residents to continue assisting security agencies by providing prompt and credible information on criminal activities and suspected hideouts.
"We will do our best to ensure that our law enforcement agencies are well motivated through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund," he added.
Governor Abiodun also described Operation Kosaye as a proactive, intelligence-led response to emerging security challenges.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, the governor said the collaboration between both states had strengthened public confidence in the ability of security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
"The achievements recorded under 'Operation Kosaye' have restored public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and reinforced the commitment of security agencies to the protection of lives and property," Abiodun stated.
He further noted that the sustained offensive has made Lagos and Ogun increasingly hostile environments for kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals seeking to exploit the shared border communities.
"The sustained offensive against criminal elements has effectively made Ogun and Lagos States increasingly hostile to kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals who had attempted to exploit the shared border communities as safe havens," he said.
Abiodun also commended the Inspector-General of Police, the Commissioners of Police in Lagos and Ogun, as well as all officers involved in the operation, for their commitment and professionalism.
According to him, the operation has demonstrated that criminal activities can be tackled more effectively when security agencies collaborate, share intelligence and operate beyond jurisdictional boundaries.
"Operation Kosaye has demonstrated the importance of collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated inter-state action in tackling emerging security threats," he added.
The Ogun governor urged other states across the country to adopt similar joint security strategies to prevent criminals from exploiting administrative boundaries to evade arrest.
Security authorities confirmed that Operation Kosaye will continue as officers intensify surveillance, intelligence gathering and clearance operations across forests, border communities and other suspected criminal hideouts.
The Lagos and Ogun State governments also reaffirmed their commitment to providing security agencies with the necessary logistics, technology and operational support required to sustain the ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across both states.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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