Security operatives from Lagos and Ogun states have launched a coordinated offensive against criminal networks operating along their shared border, leading to the arrest of 88 suspects, the rescue of five kidnapped victims and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
Security operatives from the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands have launched a joint operation targeting criminal networks operating along the border corridor between the two states, resulting in the arrest of 88 suspects, the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the recovery of arms and ammunition and the death of four suspected criminals during armed encounters. The initiative, codenamed Operation Kosaye, is aimed at dismantling kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery gangs and other violent criminal groups operating in forests and border communities.
The operation was unveiled at the Police Training School in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, by the Commissioners of Police for Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Fatai Tijani. According to the police, operatives carried out coordinated raids on forest locations and identified criminal hideouts, particularly along the J3/J4 axis of Ogbere in Ogun State and other flashpoints across the two states.
Police said the operation led to the rescue of five kidnap victims, the arrest of 88 suspects linked to various criminal offences, the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other exhibits, while four suspected criminals were killed during exchanges of gunfire with security personnel.
The joint offensive forms part of renewed efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen security collaboration between neighbouring states and deny criminal groups safe havens along interstate forest corridors. The operation focuses on intelligence-led policing and coordinated border surveillance to address kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
The police said Operation Kosaye, a Yoruba phrase meaning “there is no hiding place,” will continue across identified criminal hotspots in Lagos and Ogun states. They reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and improving public safety. Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dapo Abiodun also commended the operation, describing it as a significant step in strengthening security cooperation between the two states.
Police authorities said the operation remains ongoing, with security personnel continuing coordinated patrols and intelligence-led raids across forest corridors and border communities to ensure there is no safe haven for criminal elements operating within Lagos and Ogun states.