A joint security mission involving the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands successfully liberated five kidnapping victims and eliminated four suspects during a tactical operation in Ogun State. Police Commissioners Bode Ojajuni and Fatai Tijani announced these developments on Saturday at the Police Training School in Iperu. The victims were recovered unharmed from a forested region near Ogbere, situated along the J4 corridor of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.
During a confrontation with law enforcement, four kidnappers were neutralised, and four additional suspects were taken into custody. Commissioner Ojajuni credited the success to the strategic directives of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu and the dedication of the participating officers. This effort is part of the newly launched Operation Kosaye, a joint initiative supported by the state governors to eradicate banditry and violent crime across Lagos and Ogun.
Operation Kosaye focuses on clearing out criminal hideouts in forests and secluded areas. Beyond the rescue, police officials reported the apprehension of 84 other suspects and the seizure of various weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pistols, and axes. Commissioner Tijani dismissed claims that bandits had established control over parts of the states, highlighting that these coordinated sweeps prove otherwise. He emphasized that the operation is ongoing and will continue to target criminal networks across state borders.
One of the rescued victims, 58-year-old Jimoh Badamosi, shared his harrowing experience of being abducted while traveling to Ibadan. He explained that armed men intercepted vehicles near Ogbere Forest and demanded high ransoms before police intervention led to their freedom less than 24 hours later. Badamosi praised the rapid response of the officers and encouraged the federal government to provide the police with improved equipment to enhance national security.
