Operation 'Kosaye' Nabs 4 Kidnappersons, Saves 5 Victims in Ogun

A joint operation by the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands has foiled a 4-man kidnapping syndicate's operation in Ogun State, rescuing 5 victims and neutralising the suspected kidnappers.

The operation, under the watchword of Operation 'Kosaye', targeted kidnapping and other violent crimes in Lagos and Ogun states.

Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Mr Bode Ojajuni, and Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, at a press conference at the Police Training School, Iperu, announced the operation's success.

According to Ojajuni, the five victims were rescued unhurt from a forest in Ogbere, along the J4 corridor of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway. Four suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while another four were arrested following a gun duel with security operatives.

Ojajuni attributed the operation's success to the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, and the commitment of officers involved. He also revealed that the Nigeria Police Force had inaugurated Operation 'Kosaye' in Lagos and Ogun states to tackle criminal activities and reassure residents of adequate security.

He outlined the operation's objectives: 'Operation 'Kosaye' means there is no space for criminals and criminality within Lagos and Ogun states.' 'The initiative aims to eliminate banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the two neighbouring states.' 'It also targets criminal hideouts in forests and other ungoverned spaces used by suspected criminals,' he said.

Ojajuni further explained that extensive operations had been conducted across several communities in Lagos and Ogun, including Ogere, Ijebu-Ode, and the J4 corridor in Ogun.

He disclosed that 84 additional suspects were apprehended across Lagos and Ogun during the operation. Other seized items include AK-47 rifles, assault weapons, locally made pistols, battle axes, ammunition, mobile phones, and other exhibits linked to criminal activities.

One of the rescued victims, Mr. Jimoh Badamosi, 58, recounted his experience in the kidnappers' hands, praising the police for securing their freedom.

According to Badamosi, he was traveling to Ibadan when armed men attacked motorists around the Ogbere Forest, sporadically shooting before forcing occupants out of their vehicles. The kidnappers later demanded ransom from his family, asking for N40 million, while his colleague was requested to produce N30 million.

Badamosi said they spent less than 24 hours in captivity before the kidnappers fled following a gun duel with security operatives. 'We crawled towards the police officers and were rescued,' he said.

Badamosi commended the police and urged them not to relent in the fight against kidnapping.

Key Facts:

  • Five victims were rescued unhurt from a forest in Ogbere, Ogun State.
  • Four suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while four were arrested during the operation.
  • 84 additional suspects were apprehended across Lagos and Ogun during the operation.
  • Seized items include AK-47 rifles, assault weapons, and locally made pistols.
  • The Nigeria Police Force has inaugurated Operation 'Kosaye' in Lagos and Ogun states to tackle criminal activities.