Security operatives from Lagos and Ogun states have launched a joint offensive against criminal networks operating along the border corridor between the two states, leading to 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 encounters with security personnel.

The operation, codenamed Operation Kosaye, a Yoruba phrase meaning “there is no hiding place,” was initiated by the Nigeria Police Force to dismantle kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery gangs and other violent criminal groups exploiting forests and border communities between Lagos and Ogun states as hideouts.

The development followed coordinated operations by the Lagos and Ogun State police commands, with operatives combing forest locations and criminal hideouts along the J3/J4 axis of Ogbere in Ogun State and other identified flashpoints around the two states.

The operation had already yielded significant outcomes, including the rescue of five kidnap victims, the arrest of 88 suspects and the neutralisation of four suspected kidnappers.

The operation was formally launched by the police at the Police Training School, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, where the Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Tijani Fatai, respectively, outlined the objectives of the initiative.