The Nigeria Police Force has launched Operation Kosaye, a joint security initiative across Lagos and Ogun states aimed at tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes along the two states’ border communities.

Speaking at the launch at the Police Training School, Iperu-Remo, the Commissioners of Police for Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Fatai Tijani, said the operation has already recorded significant successes, including the rescue of five kidnapped victims, the killing of four suspected kidnappers, and the arrest of 88 criminal suspects.

Ojajuni said the operation was initiated by the Inspector-General of Police with the support of the Lagos and Ogun state governments. He explained that “Kosaye,” a Yoruba expression meaning “there is no hiding place for criminals,” reflects the mission to flush out kidnappers and other criminals from forests, border communities, and other hideouts.

According to him, security operatives have dismantled several criminal camps, cleared illegal settlements used as hideouts, and recovered AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally made pistols, ammunition, mobile phones, and communication devices.

He urged residents not to panic over the increased deployment of security personnel, assuring them that the operation would continue until criminal activities are significantly reduced. He also appealed to the public to report suspicious persons, particularly those with gunshot wounds, and provide useful information to aid investigations.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, described the operation as a sustained effort rather than a one-time exercise, noting that several forests previously occupied by criminal gangs have been reclaimed.

Both commissioners commended the Inspector-General of Police, as well as Governors Dapo Abiodun and Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for supporting the initiative, expressing confidence that the collaborative security model would strengthen efforts to combat cross-border crime.