Police authorities have announced the killing of four suspected kidnappers, the rescue of five abducted victims, and the arrest of 88 suspects during coordinated security operations across Lagos and Ogun states. The raids formed part of "Operation Ko Si Aye," a joint security initiative launched under the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
Coordinated Raids Target Criminal Hideouts
The exercise targeted forests, highways, and locations believed to be used as hideouts by criminal groups. Speaking during a joint briefing in Iperu, Ogun State, as reported by Daily Trust, the Commissioners of Police for Ogun and Lagos states, Bode Ojajuni and Tijani Fatai, said the operation was aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the two states.
Ojajuni disclosed that tactical teams searched several locations stretching from Lagos into Ogun, including major highway corridors and forested communities considered vulnerable to kidnapping and other violent crimes. He said one of the operation's major successes was the rescue of five people who had been abducted along the J3 to J4 section of the Benin Sagamu Expressway.
Rescue and Neutralization During Operation
“On the marching orders of the Inspector-General of Police, Operation ‘Ko Si Aye’ moved into the area and successfully rescued five victims. During the operation, four kidnappers were neutralised while four others were arrested,” Ojajuni said.
According to the Ogun police commissioner, officers also recovered several weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump action guns, pistols, locally made firearms, battle axes, and mobile phones believed to be connected to criminal activities. He added that security personnel did not discover any established bandit camps during the operation, despite concerns over criminal activities in parts of the region.
Police Dismiss Reports of Bandit Camps in Lagos Forests
Lagos State Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai also dismissed reports suggesting organised bandit groups had settled in Lagos forests. He said extensive searches failed to uncover such camps. “This is not a one-off exercise. It is a continuous operation. We want the people of Lagos and Ogun states to be assured that the police are not relenting in their responsibility to protect them,” Fatai said.
He added that local residents, vigilante groups, and other security stakeholders contributed intelligence that supported the operation. Investigations into those arrested are continuing, while suspects found culpable will face prosecution. Fatai also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Related Arrests in Lagos Zone 2 Command
In a related development, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 2 Command in Onikan, Lagos, have apprehended seven suspects linked to multiple murders, armed robbery, cultism, and unlawful possession of firearms. The arrests follow a targeted operation launched after credible intelligence identified the suspects’ activities.
