*Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, applauded security operatives for instant success recorded by their new-fangled ‘Operation Kosaye’ (meaning ‘no space for criminals’ in Yoruba parlance) floated to tackle kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery gangs, and other violent criminal networks operating within the two states
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
Against the backdrop of recent cases of banditry, terrorism and kidnapping in the South-West, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, at the weekend, lauded the instant success recorded by their new-fangled “Operation Kosaye”.
ConsumerConnect reports “Operation Kosaye” is a joint security outfit, which the two neighbouring states established to battle kidnappers and criminals in the axis of the South-West.
‘Operation Kosaye’, which in Yoruba parlance, is literally translated as “no space for criminals” in this area, targets kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery gangs, and other violent criminal networks operating within the two states.
Reports indicate that everyone since Lagos and Ogun Governments floated the security outfit, operatives have been combing forest boundaries between Lagos and Ogun states, particularly along the J3/J4 axis of Ogere, in Ogun State, in search of fleeing suspects and criminal hideouts.
The security operatives had also demolished and burnt down hideouts of certain suspected criminals notorious for illegal activities in the area.
Underscoring the seriousness of the move to tackle bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements infiltrating the axis from other parts of the country, the Police authorities said they were committed to intelligence-led operations to ensure there is no safe haven for criminals in the region.
Likewise, the State Governors in the South-West have reacted to reports of the rescue of five kidnap victims within 24 hours of their abduction; killing of four of the suspected kidnappers, and arrest of 88 other suspects during the joint operation, according to report.
The State Governors reportedly said the joint operation between Lagos and Ogun States was a major step towards making both states safer for residents and visitors.
Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State, in a statement, also noted the Lagos Government commended the Police for the “massive onslaught” against kidnappers, armed robbers, and other violent criminals.
The statement noted the government assured residents that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration would continue to support security agencies in protecting lives and property in the “Centre of Excellence”.
Omotoso further stated: “We appreciate the huge efforts of the Police, as directed by the Inspector-General (IGP) Olatunji Disu, in arresting the suspects and the cooperation of our neighbours in Ogun State. This is the way it should be.”
Sanwo-Olu equally attributed the success of the operation to the directive of IGP Disu, and the collaboration between the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands.
The governor reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting law enforcement through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).
Speaking on the development too, Governor (Prince) Dapo Abiodun described the latest daring operation right in the forests as a bold, proactive, and intelligence-driven initiative that has significantly strengthened security across both states.
Abiodun said the achievements recorded had restored public confidence in the Police and other security apparatus in the country.
Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, quoted Abiodun to have said: “The sustained offensive against criminal elements has effectively made Ogun and Lagos states increasingly hostile to kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals who had attempted to exploit the shared border communities as safe havens.”
He also applauded the Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos states, CP Bode Ojajuni and CP Tijani Fatai, respectively, and the Officers participating in “Operation Kosaye” for their professionalism and dedication to implementation of the security initiative.
The Ogun State Governor, therefore, urged other states of the Nigerian Federation to establish similar inter-state security frameworks.
Criminal elements could only be effectively defeated when agencies work seamlessly across jurisdictional boundaries, stated Abiodun.