The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its renewed offensive against crime with the launch of Operation Kosaye (“No Chance”), leading to the arrest of 88 suspects, the rescue of five kidnapped victims and the neutralisation of four suspected kidnappers across Lagos and Ogun states.
The joint security operation, conducted by operatives of the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands, involved extensive bush-combing exercises and raids on criminal hideouts stretching across both states to the boundary with Oyo State.
Addressing journalists on Saturday at the Police Training College, Iperu, Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, said the operation was initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to eliminate criminal elements and strengthen public confidence in the security architecture of both states.
According to Ojajuni, the operation led to the arrest of 84 suspects—75 males and nine females—during coordinated raids on identified black spots. An additional four suspected kidnappers were arrested during a rescue mission, bringing the total number of suspects apprehended to 88.
He disclosed that the operation also resulted in the rescue of five victims who were abducted along the Ore–Ogbere Road on Thursday. During the rescue mission, four suspected kidnappers were killed in a gun battle with police operatives.
“Operation Kosaye means there is no space for criminality and criminals. It is an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, with the full support of the governors of Lagos and Ogun States,” Ojajuni said.
He explained that the operation was designed to eliminate kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes while clearing forests and isolated areas often used as criminal hideouts.
The Commissioner said security operatives combed several locations, including Ikeja, Kara Bridge, the Redemption Camp corridor, Isheri, Owode-Egba, Ogere, Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu-Ode, Epe, Ikorodu and Ogijo, extending to the J4 axis near Ondo State.
Ojajuni noted that while the operation was ongoing, police responded swiftly to a kidnapping incident along the J3/J4 corridor on the Benin-Sagamu Expressway, successfully rescuing all five victims.
Items recovered during the operation included AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, English-made pistols, locally fabricated firearms, ammunition, battle axes, cutlasses and mobile phones.
The Ogun Police Commissioner urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information, especially regarding anyone found with suspicious gunshot wounds.
Also speaking, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, dismissed rumours that bandits had infiltrated Lagos, assuring residents that forests and identified hideouts across both states had been thoroughly searched.
He described Operation Kosaye as a continuous security exercise that would be sustained to ensure criminals have no safe haven.
“We want to assure the people of Lagos and Ogun that the Inspector-General of Police remains fully committed to protecting lives and property. This operation will continue, and we appreciate the support of the governors of both states in ensuring its success,” Tijani said.