Joint Lagos-Ogun Security Operation Rescues Five Kidnap Victims, Neutralises Four Suspects

A coordinated security operation involving the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands has rescued five kidnapped victims and neutralised four suspected kidnappers during a major anti-crime operation in Ogun State.

The operation, carried out under the newly launched Operation "Kosaye," also led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers following a gun battle with security operatives.

Speaking at the Police Training School, Iperu, on Saturday, the Commissioners of Police for Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Fatai Tijani, said the rescued victims were found unharmed in a forest near Ogbere, along the J4 corridor of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.

Ojajuni said the operation was executed on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu , with the support of the governors of Lagos and Ogun states. According to him, Operation "Kosaye" was established to strengthen security across both states by dismantling criminal networks operating within border communities and forested areas.

"Operation 'Kosaye' means there is no space for criminals and criminality within Lagos and Ogun states," he said.

He explained that the initiative is specifically designed to combat kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes while flushing criminals out of forests and other ungoverned spaces used as operational bases.

"The initiative aims to eliminate banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the two neighbouring states. It also targets criminal hideouts in forests and other ungoverned spaces used by suspected criminals," the commissioner added.

Ojajuni further disclosed that security operatives conducted extensive operations across communities including Ogere, Ijebu-Ode, Ajebandele and the J4 corridor, leading to the arrest of 84 additional suspects across Lagos and Ogun states.

He said the operation also resulted in the recovery of several weapons and exhibits, including AK-47 rifles, other assault rifles, locally fabricated pistols, battle axes, ammunition and mobile phones believed to be linked to criminal activities.

The police commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property, adding that Operation "Kosaye" would continue until criminal networks operating within both states are dismantled.

He also indicated that the initiative could eventually be expanded to other parts of the country.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, dismissed widespread claims that bandits had infiltrated and taken control of parts of Lagos and Ogun states, insisting that ongoing operations have disproved such reports.

According to him, the coordinated security exercise has already produced significant results through the arrest of suspects, rescue of victims and recovery of arms.

"Our personnel thoroughly combed forests and other identified locations, and the operation is not a one-off exercise. It will continue for as long as necessary to keep our communities safe," Tijani said.

He disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police had directed Commissioners of Police in neighbouring states to work closely together in securing border corridors and dismantling criminal gangs operating across state boundaries.

Tijani also commended the Lagos and Ogun State governments for providing the logistics and operational support that contributed to the success of the exercise.

"The results speak for themselves. You have seen the rescued victims, the suspects arrested and the recoveries made. This is evidence that we are serious about securing our people," he said.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring them that the police remain committed to ensuring public safety.

One of the rescued victims, Jimoh Badamosi, 58, narrated how he and four others were abducted while travelling to Ibadan. According to him, armed men attacked motorists around Ogbere Forest, firing gunshots before forcing occupants out of their vehicles.

Badamosi said the kidnappers collected their mobile phones, wallets and other valuables before marching five victims from three separate vehicles deep into the forest. He revealed that the kidnappers demanded ₦40 million ransom from his family, while another victim's relatives were asked to pay ₦30 million.

The victim said they had spent less than 24 hours in captivity when they suddenly heard heavy gunfire.

"We later heard the kidnappers saying the Nigeria Police had come. They ordered us to lie down, but when we heard police officers calling out, we crawled towards them and were rescued," he recounted.

Badamosi praised the police for their swift intervention and appealed to the Federal Government to further strengthen security by equipping officers with more sophisticated weapons, establishing additional security checkpoints and intensifying surveillance of forests frequently used by kidnappers.

Other rescued victims also expressed gratitude to the police, describing the operation as timely and lifesaving.