In Major Crackdown, Lagos, Ogun Joint Police Task Force Arrests 92 Suspects, Rescues Five Kidnap Victims

A joint police task force from Lagos and Ogun states has arrested 92 suspected criminals and rescued five kidnap victims as part of a sustained crackdown on violent crimes. The operation, dubbed "Operation Kósàyè" – a Yoruba phrase meaning "there is no hiding place" – also led to the killing of four suspected kidnappers and the dismantling of criminal camps hidden within the Iperu Forest.

“

Operation Kósàyè is designed to reclaim our forests, dismantle criminal camps and restore security across communities stretching from Kara and the Long Bridge through Sagamu, Ogere and Ijebu Ode to adjoining border communities in Ikorodu and Epe.

Launched by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the operation targets kidnappers, armed robbers, and other violent criminals operating in forests and border communities linking Lagos and Ogun states. The initiative covers areas from Kara and the Long Bridge through Sagamu, Ogere, and Ijebu Ode, extending to adjoining border communities in Ikorodu and Epe.

State Commissioners of Police Bode Ojajuni (Ogun) and Fatai Tijani (Lagos) highlighted the operation's success in clearing identified flashpoints and dismantling illegal shanties used by criminals. They reassured residents that fears and rumors spread by kidnappers are unfounded, stating that no Nigerian is currently held captive in either state.

“

As I speak to you, there is no Nigerian currently being held captive by kidnappers in either Lagos or Ogun State.

Commissioner Ojajuni detailed the rescue of five travelers abducted along the Ijebu Ode corridor, who were freed within 24 hours. During that specific operation, four kidnappers were neutralized, and another four were arrested. In separate forest clearance operations across both states, an additional 84 criminal suspects were apprehended.

“

Identified flashpoints have been cleared. Illegal shanties used by criminals have been dismantled, while several suspects have been arrested.

Commissioner Tijani emphasized the destruction of criminal bases concealed in forests along the Lagos-Ogun border, which had been used to launch attacks. He attributed the early success to the leadership of the Inspector General of Police and the support from the governors of Lagos and Ogun states.

“

The operation had already yielded significant results with the destruction of criminal camps concealed in forests along the Lagos-Ogun border, where criminal gangs had established bases to launch attacks on motorists and residents.