Lagos, Ogun Police Rescue Five, Arrest 88 Suspects in Joint Forest Raids

The Nigeria Police Force has launched Operation Kosaye, a joint security initiative involving the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands, aimed at combating kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across both states.

The operation was officially inaugurated on Saturday at the Police Training School, Iperu-Remo, by the Commissioners of Police for Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Fatai Tijani.

Speaking during the launch, Ojajuni said the operation had already recorded significant successes, including the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the killing of four suspected kidnappers and the arrest of 88 criminal suspects operating across Lagos and Ogun states.

According to him, the operation was initiated by the Inspector-General of Police with the support of the Lagos and Ogun State governments, which provided logistics to enhance security operations.

He explained that the name Kosaye, a Yoruba expression meaning “there is no hiding place for criminals,” reflects the mission of the operation to flush out kidnappers and other violent criminals hiding in forests, border communities and remote settlements.

“Today, we are formally launching Operation Kosaye, a joint security initiative between the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands. The name Kosaye means ‘there is no hiding place for criminals,’” Ojajuni said.

He noted that security operatives had combed several forest corridors and border communities spanning both states, dismantling criminal camps and clearing illegal hideouts used by kidnappers and other suspects.

Ojajuni disclosed that one of the operation’s major achievements was the rescue of five kidnapped victims along the Ijebu-Ode corridor following intelligence-led operations.

“During the rescue operation, four suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while four others were arrested. In addition, no fewer than 84 other criminal suspects have been apprehended across Lagos and Ogun states during the ongoing operation,” he said.

The commissioner added that the operation is intended to restore public confidence in security and sustain pressure on criminal elements operating within the region.

Police also displayed items recovered during the raids, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally fabricated pistols, ammunition, mobile phones and communication equipment allegedly used by the suspects.

Ojajuni assured residents that Operation Kosaye would continue across both states until criminal hideouts are completely dismantled and the security situation significantly improved.