'Operation Kosaye': Lagos, Ogun Police Dismiss Banditry Fears, Arrest 88

‘Operation Kosaye’: Lagos, Ogun Police Dismiss Banditry Fears, Arrest 88
Four Kidnappers Killed
Ojajuni urged residents to remain calm and promptly report anyone seen with gunshot injuries to the police

Operatives of the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands have arrested 88 suspects, rescued five kidnapped victims and neutralised four suspected kidnappers during the ongoing “Operation Kosaye” security exercise, Eko Hot Blog reports.

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Addressing journalists at the Police Training College, Iperu, Ogun State, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said the operation was initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to flush out criminal elements operating within Ogun and Lagos states.

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Ojajuni explained that the operation, code-named “Kosaye,” meaning “No Chance,” is being supported by the governments of both states and is aimed at tackling kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.

According to him, 84 suspects comprising 75 men and nine women were arrested during bush-clearing and anti-crime raids conducted across several communities in Ogun and Lagos.

He disclosed that police operatives also rescued five persons abducted along the Ore-Ogbere Road on Thursday.

During the rescue mission, four suspected kidnappers were killed while four others were arrested.

“Operation Kosaye means there is no space for criminality and criminals. The operation is intended to wipe out banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities within Ogun and Lagos states,” Ojajuni said.

Police Rescue Remaining Passengers Abducted — Police

The police commissioner noted that security operatives combed and cleared forests and criminal hideouts from Ikeja through Kara Bridge, Redeemed Camp, Iseri, Owode-Egba, Ogere, Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu-Ode, J4 axis, Epe, Ikorodu and Ogijo.

He said the operation was expanded following a security breach reported around the J3 and J4 sections of the Benin-Sagamu Expressway corridor.

Recovered exhibits include assault rifles, pump-action guns, AK-47 rifles, English-made pistols, locally fabricated firearms, ammunition, axes, cutlasses, mobile phones and other items suspected to have been used in criminal activities.

Ojajuni urged residents to remain calm and promptly report anyone seen with gunshot injuries to the police.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, dismissed reports suggesting that bandits had infiltrated Lagos and Ogun states.

He maintained that forests and thick vegetation within both states had been thoroughly searched and assured residents that the operation would continue and be replicated in other states.

“This exercise is to clear doubts about rumours that bandits have taken over Ogun State or infiltrated Lagos. All identified bushes have been combed and searched thoroughly. The operation is continuous and will remain in place as long as necessary,” Fatai said.

He commended the governors of Lagos and Ogun states for supporting the initiative and reiterated the police force’s commitment to protecting lives and property.