Operation kosaye: 88 suspects arrested, five kidnap victims rescued

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has commended security agencies for the ongoing massive onslaught against criminals in the state.

The Governor gave the commendation following the recent successes recorded by Operation Kosaye, a coordinated security crackdown across Lagos and Ogun states, which led to the arrest of 88 suspects, while four others were killed during gun battles with security operatives.

In a statement issued over the weekend by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the government disclosed that five kidnap victims were rescued, while a cache of arms and ammunition was recovered during the operation.

According to him, “We will continue to work with the police and other security agencies to ensure that our state is safe and secure for residents and visitors. We appreciate the huge efforts of the police, as directed by Inspector-General Tunji Disu, in arresting the suspects, and the cooperation of our neighbor, Ogun State. This is the way it should be.”

There has been a strong police presence across both territories, with the Lagos and Ogun police commands displaying recovered weapons and parading suspects, a clear message to criminal elements that they will have no space in either state. 

Operation Kosaye (meaning “no space for criminals”) reflects a renewed, no-nonsense push to dismantle kidnapping rings, armed robbery gangs, and other violent crime networks in the South-West.

As part of the operations, operatives are currently combing the forest boundaries between Lagos and Ogun states along the J3/J4 axis of Ogbere in Ogun State. 

The police stated that they remain resolute in ensuring there is no hiding place for criminals, especially kidnappers, through intelligence-led operations and sustained security efforts.

Sanwo-Olu urged residents of Lagos to continue assisting the police with credible information on criminal hideouts. 

“We will do our best to ensure that our law enforcement agencies are well motivated through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF),” he said.