A new joint security offensive has delivered its first major wins on the Lagos-Ogun border. Codenamed Operation Kosaye, the operation rescued five abducted travelers, neutralized four suspected kidnappers, and led to 88 arrests in a coordinated crackdown on forests and highway corridors.
What is Operation Kosaye?
Operation Kosaye is a joint initiative of the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands, formally launched on Saturday at the Police Training School, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.
The name “Kosaye” is Yoruba for “there is no hiding place”. The operation was initiated by Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, with backing from the governors of both states. Bode Ojajuni of Ogun and CP Fatai Tijani of Lagos said the mission is to “reclaim our forests, dismantle criminal camps and restore security” across corridors stretching from Kara and the Long Bridge through Sagamu, Ogere, Ijebu-Ode to Ikorodu and Epe.
The First Breakthrough: 5 Victims Rescued in 24 Hours
Police recorded their first major success on Friday, less than 24 hours after the victims were abducted.
The victims: Five people — four women and one man — were rescued unhurt from the Ogbere J3 forest corridor along the Sagamu-Ore Expressway.
How it happened
The victims were travelling when their vehicles were ambushed by kidnappers at Ogbere on Thursday. Three were heading to Lagos, two to Ibadan. The attackers opened fire, injuring one female victim in the right arm before marching all five into the forest.
Police teams combed the forest and engaged the gang in a shootout. Four suspected kidnappers were killed, while another member escaped with gunshot wounds.
Broader Sweep: 88 Arrested, Weapons Recovered
Beyond the rescue, Operation Kosaye has been sweeping across both states:- 88 total suspects arrested: 4 kidnappers linked to the Ogbere rescue, plus 84 other criminal suspects picked up in separate operations along the Lagos/Ogun corridor.
Weapons seized: AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally made pistols, ammunition, mobile phones and other communication gadgets.
Areas combed: Forests and thick bushes along the Lagos-Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway to Ajebandele, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos-Epe-Ijebu-Ode Road, and the Lagos-Ikorodu corridor. Illegal shanties used by criminals have also been dismantled.
Police message to residents
CP Ojajuni said flashpoints have been cleared and assured residents: “As I speak to you, there is no Nigerian currently being held captive by kidnappers in either Lagos or Ogun State”.
CP Tijani added that Operation Kosaye is not a one-off exercise but a sustained campaign that will continue for as long as necessary to ensure residents can move without fear. He urged the public to report people with suspicious gunshot wounds or share credible intelligence.
Rising Highway Abductions
The launch comes amid growing fears over kidnappings on Southwest highways. The Ore-Ogbere road and Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway have been recent hotspots. Police say the operation is specifically designed to deny criminals the use of forests linking Lagos and Ogun as operational bases.
Bottom line
Launched with backing from the IGP and both state governments, Operation Kosaye has rescued 5 victims, killed 4 kidnappers, and arrested 88 suspects in its opening phase. Police say forests have been combed, criminal camps dismantled, and patrols will continue along key corridors to check rising highway fears.
