Joint Security Offensive Targets Kidnappers in Lagos-Ogun Border Forests

Security forces from Lagos and Ogun states have launched a coordinated crackdown on criminal networks operating along their shared border. The initiative, codenamed “Operation Kosaye” meaning “there is no hiding place” in Yoruba aims to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and armed robbery gangs that have frequently used forest areas and remote border communities as safe havens.

The ongoing operation has already yielded significant results. During recent sweeps of forest hideouts near the J3/J4 axis of Ogbere in Ogun State and other identified flashpoints, security personnel arrested 88 suspects and successfully rescued five kidnap victims. Additionally, four suspected criminals were killed during armed encounters with security teams, while a cache of arms and ammunition was recovered.

The joint task force, initiated by the Nigeria Police Force, was formally inaugurated at the Police Training School in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State. The Commissioners of Police from both states emphasized that the operation is designed to eliminate ungoverned spaces and ensure that criminals can no longer exploit state boundaries to evade justice.

The governors of both states, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, have lauded the initiative as a model for inter-state security cooperation. Governor Sanwo-Olu described the mission as a “massive onslaught” against criminal elements and credited the success to intelligence-led policing and effective collaboration. Governor Abiodun echoed these sentiments, noting that the sustained pressure from the joint forces has made the border corridor increasingly hostile to those engaged in violent crime.

Both state governments have pledged continued logistical and technical support for the mission. Security authorities confirmed that the operation will continue, with intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering planned for forested areas and other high-risk zones across the region to prevent future criminal activity.