Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has praised the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, for launching the joint Ogun-Lagos security operation, codenamed Operation Kosaye, describing it as a major step towards tackling crime and improving safety across the two neighbouring states.
The governor said the initiative has already produced encouraging results, including the neutralisation of armed bandits, the arrest of suspected criminals and the rescue of kidnapped victims, while also helping to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
Abiodun made the commendation in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade.
According to the statement, the governor described Operation Kosaye as a proactive, intelligence-driven security strategy that has strengthened law enforcement efforts in both Ogun and Lagos States.
He noted that the operation has focused on coordinated security patrols and raids on forests, border communities and other locations believed to be hideouts for criminal gangs operating along the Ogun-Lagos corridor.
For years, security agencies have identified the border communities between Ogun and Lagos as routes frequently used by kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal groups to escape arrest after carrying out attacks in either state.
The governor said the coordinated approach adopted under Operation Kosaye has made it increasingly difficult for criminals to use the shared boundary as a safe haven.
“The achievements recorded under Operation Kosaye have restored public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and reinforced the commitment of security agencies to the protection of lives and property,” the statement quoted Abiodun as saying.
He added that the sustained operations carried out under the initiative have made both Ogun and Lagos increasingly hostile to kidnappers, bandits and other violent criminals.
According to the governor, the success of the operation demonstrates the importance of cooperation among security agencies, especially when dealing with criminal networks that move freely across state boundaries.
Abiodun also praised the Inspector-General of Police for introducing what he described as a practical and intelligence-based security model capable of responding to emerging threats.
He commended the Commissioners of Police in Ogun and Lagos States, CP Bode Ojajuni and CP Tijani Fatai, for providing effective leadership during the implementation of the operation.
The governor equally applauded the officers and men participating in the joint operation, describing them as professional, courageous and committed to protecting lives and property.
He said their dedication had contributed significantly to the early successes recorded since the operation commenced.
According to him, Operation Kosaye has shown that security agencies achieve better results when they share intelligence and work together instead of operating separately.
“Operation Kosaye has demonstrated the importance of collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated inter-state action in tackling emerging security threats,” he said.
“It goes to show that criminal elements can only be effectively defeated when security agencies work seamlessly across jurisdictional boundaries.”
Abiodun stressed that insecurity is no longer limited by geographical borders, making cooperation between neighbouring states essential in combating crime.
He therefore called on other state governments and security agencies across the country to adopt similar collaborative security arrangements that would prevent criminals from exploiting state boundaries to evade arrest.
According to the governor, such partnerships would strengthen national security and improve the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ogun State Government to supporting security agencies through sustained investment in logistics, operational equipment and technology.
Abiodun said his administration would continue providing vehicles, communication equipment, surveillance technology and other operational resources needed by security personnel to perform their duties effectively.
He noted that investment in modern security infrastructure has become necessary because criminal groups are also adopting more sophisticated methods in carrying out their activities.
The governor added that the state government remains committed to complementing the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in maintaining peace, protecting residents and creating a safe environment for businesses and investors.
According to him, protecting lives and property remains one of the top priorities of his administration.
The launch of Operation Kosaye comes at a time when security concerns have continued to dominate public discourse in many parts of Nigeria.
Incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery and attacks on travellers have heightened concerns about safety, particularly along major highways and in communities located near forests.
The Ogun-Lagos border has, at different times, witnessed criminal activities due to its strategic location and the movement of people between the country’s commercial capital and neighbouring states.
The Nigeria Police Force has in recent years increased efforts to improve collaboration among state commands through intelligence sharing and joint operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating across multiple states.
Operation Kosaye is one of the latest initiatives introduced to strengthen those efforts.
The operation, officially launched by the Nigeria Police Force on Saturday, brings together officers from the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands to conduct coordinated security operations across both states.
The initiative focuses on intelligence gathering, surveillance, patrols and rapid response to criminal activities, particularly in border communities where security threats have become more pronounced.
Police authorities believe the operation will reduce the activities of kidnappers, armed robbers and other violent criminals while improving the safety of residents and commuters.
Residents of both Ogun and Lagos have repeatedly called for stronger security measures, especially in communities located along major highways and remote areas where criminal attacks have occurred in recent years.
With the endorsement of Governor Abiodun and the continued support of both state governments, Operation Kosaye is expected to strengthen the fight against crime, improve public confidence in security agencies and promote safer communities across the Ogun-Lagos corridor.