By ABIODUN LAWAL and DEBORAH AKPEDE

The joint security operation between the Police Commands in Ogun and Lagos State has rescued five kidnapped victims and neutralised four suspected kidnappers in Ogun.

The Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos states, Mr Bode Ojajuni and Mr Fatai Tijani, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Saturday at the Police Training School, Iperu.

Ojajuni said the five victims were rescued unhurt from a forest near Ogbere, along the J4 corridor of the Sagamu-Benin Expressway.

He explained that four suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while another four were arrested following a gun duel with security operatives.

The commissioner said the success of the operation was achieved through the directives of the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr Olatunji Disu, and the commitment of officers involved.

He added that the Nigeria Police Force had inaugurated Operation “Kosaye” in Lagos and Ogun to tackle criminal activities and reassure residents of adequate security.

According to him, the operation was formally launched on the directive of the I-G with the support of the governors of both states.

“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 said extensive operations had been conducted across several communities in both states, including Ogere, Ijebu-Ode, Ajebandele and the J4 corridor in Ogun.

He disclosed that 84 additional suspects were apprehended across Lagos and Ogun during the operation.

According to him, the police recovered AK-47 rifles, other assault weapons, locally made pistols, battle axes, ammunition, mobile phones and other exhibits linked to criminal activities.

The commissioner reaffirmed the commitment of the police to ensuring the safety of lives and property in both states.

He reiterated that the operation would continue and could eventually be extended to other parts of the country.

In his remarks, Tijani dismissed widespread rumours that bandits had infiltrated and taken over parts of Lagos and Ogun, saying ongoing security operations had proved such claims to be false.

He said the joint operation, initiated by the I-G, involved coordinated security sweeps across border communities, forests and other identified criminal hideouts stretching from Lagos State into Ogun.

According to him, the exercise has already yielded significant results, including the arrest of suspects, rescue of victims and recovery of weapons and other exhibits.

“Our personnel thoroughly combed forests and other identified locations, and the operation is not a one-off exercise. It will continue for as long as necessary to keep our communities safe,” he said.

Tijani said the I-G had directed commissioners of police in neighbouring states to collaborate closely in securing border corridors and dismantling criminal networks operating across state boundaries.

He commended the governors of Lagos and Ogun for providing the logistics and support that made the operation possible.

“The results speak for themselves. You have seen the rescued victims, the suspects arrested and the recoveries made. This is evidence that we are serious about securing our people,” he said.

He urged residents to remain calm and continue supporting the police with credible information, assuring them that the force remained committed to safeguarding lives and property.

Speaking with journalists after his rescue, one of the victims, Mr Jimoh Badamosi, 58, recounted his ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers and praised the police for securing their freedom.

Badamosi said he was travelling to Ibadan when armed men attacked motorists around the Ogbere Forest, shooting sporadically before forcing occupants out of their vehicles.

According to him, the gunmen collected their mobile phones, wallets and other valuables before marching five victims from three different vehicles into the forest.

He said the kidnappers later demanded ransom, asking his family to pay N40 million, while his colleague was asked to produce N30 million.

The victim said they had spent less than 24 hours in captivity when they suddenly heard gunshots, forcing the kidnappers to flee.

“We later heard the kidnappers saying the Nigeria Police had come. They ordered us to lie down, but when we heard police officers calling out, we crawled toward them and were rescued,” he said.

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

He also appealed to the Federal Government to equip the police with more sophisticated weapons, establish additional security checkpoints and ensure forests are properly secured.

Other rescued victims also narrated their experiences and appreciated the police for the swift response that led to their rescue alive. (NAN, excluding headline)

•Ogun and Lagos police chiefs inspecting weapons seized from the suspected kidnappers