Police launch Operation ‘Kosaye’ in Ogun, Lagos, arrest 88 suspects, rescue five kidnap victims

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

The Nigeria Police Force has launched a joint security operation, codenamed “Operation Kosaye” (No Chance), across Ogun and Lagos states, leading to the arrest of 88 suspected criminals, the rescue of five kidnapped victims and the neutralisation of four suspected kidnappers.

Speaking at the formal launch of the operation on Saturday at the Police Training College, Iperu, Ogun State, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, said the initiative was introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, Olatunji Disu, to rid both states of criminal elements and strengthen public confidence in security.

According to Ojajuni, 84 suspects comprising 75 males and nine females were arrested during coordinated bush-combing operations conducted across Ogun and Lagos, while another four suspected kidnappers were apprehended during the rescue of five victims abducted along the Ore–Ogbere Road.

He disclosed that four suspected kidnappers were killed during the rescue operation.

“We formally launch Operation Kosaye in Lagos and Ogun states. ‘Kosaye’ means there is no space for criminality and criminals. It is an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police and is strongly supported by the governors of Lagos and Ogun states,” Ojajuni said.

He explained that the operation was designed to eliminate criminal hideouts, tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes, and reassure residents about their safety.

“The aim of this operation is to wipe out banditry, if at all it exists, in the two states and to clear the bushes. It is also to wipe out other criminal elements. We are here to allay the fears of citizens and dispel rumours of banditry,” he said.

Ojajuni said security operatives combed forests and criminal hideouts from Ikeja through Kara Bridge, the Redeemed Camp and Iseri corridor, extending to Owode-Egba, Ogere, Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu-Ode and J4 near the Ondo State boundary, as well as Epe, Ikorodu and Ogijo.

He added that the operation also responded to a kidnapping incident along the J3-J4 axis of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.

“It may gladden your mind to know that, on the marching order of the Inspector-General of Police, Operation Kosaye rescued five victims. In the course of the operation, we neutralised four kidnappers and arrested another four, aside from the 84 suspects apprehended across Lagos and Ogun,” he said.

The police recovered several weapons and exhibits during the operation, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, English and locally-made pistols, ammunition, battle axes, cutlasses and mobile phones.

Ojajuni appealed to residents to remain calm and report anyone found with gunshot injuries or suspicious movements to the police.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, dismissed claims that bandits had infiltrated Lagos and Ogun states, saying extensive bush-combing operations had shown otherwise.

“To further clear the doubts of people spreading rumours that bandits have taken over Ogun State and infiltrated Lagos, all the bushes have been combed and searched thoroughly,” Fatai said.

He assured residents that the exercise would continue as part of sustained efforts by the police to guarantee the safety of lives and property.

Fatai also commended the Inspector-General of Police for initiating the operation and appreciated the governors of Lagos and Ogun states for supporting the security initiative.