How Ogun State is Tackling Crime with Operation Kosaye

Operation Kosaye is not just another police effort; it is becoming the backbone of Governor Dapo Abiodun's security plans. This initiative aims to fight cross-border crime in Nigeria by focusing on intelligence-led policing and teamwork between states.

For years, the forests along the Lagos-Ogun border were known for danger. Drivers feared the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode road at night. Farmers hesitated to enter the bush, and people in nearby communities lived in fear of kidnappers and robbers hiding in the thick forests separating the two states.

Now, this fear is fading away slowly.

The change comes from Operation Kosaye, a security push that has quickly changed the safety situation in one of Nigeria’s busiest areas.

The term "Kosaye" means no hiding place in Yoruba. It represents a new approach to policing that aims to take away the safe spots criminals have used along the Lagos-Ogun route.

Launched at the Police Training School in Iperu-Remo, the operation made it clear that criminals can no longer find refuge in state borders.

A Team Effort Yielding Results

Operation Kosaye was created by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu. It was put into action through cooperation between the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, and his Lagos State counterpart, Fatai Tijani. This operation covers the forests, border towns, and ungoverned areas from Kara and the Long Bridge to Sagamu, Ogere, Ijebu Ode, Ikorodu, and Epe.

The results have been quick and impressive.

Security teams searching the forests near Iperu and other hotspots have rescued kidnap victims along the Ijebu Ode area. They have also fought off suspected kidnappers, arrested many criminals, and seized advanced weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, homemade guns, ammunition, and communication devices.

Another big achievement was the destruction of criminal camps and illegal settlements deep in the forests. These hideouts had allowed kidnapping gangs to operate without fear for years.

Operation Kosaye is not just a one-time show of strength. It is backed by aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, and ongoing teamwork between states. The aim is to keep criminal gangs from using these forests as safe zones.

Working Together for Security

For Governor Dapo Abiodun, Operation Kosaye means more than just catching criminals and recovering weapons.

It proves a belief he has held since 2019: modern security issues need cooperation, not competition, between states.

For too long, criminals took advantage of state borders, committing crimes in one place and fleeing to another before security forces could respond. Operation Kosaye breaks that pattern by encouraging teamwork between Lagos and Ogun States.

Governor Abiodun praised the initiative through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade. He called the operation bold, proactive, and driven by intelligence, noting it has increased public trust in the Nigeria Police Force. He added that it has made the Lagos-Ogun route less welcoming for kidnappers and other criminals.

He encouraged other states to adopt similar cooperative security plans. He believes organized crime can only be defeated when law enforcement works together across borders.

The governor also commended Commissioners Ojajuni and Tijani, along with their teams, for their dedication and professionalism. He pledged to support security forces with necessary resources like vehicles, surveillance technology, and other tools to keep up the success achieved so far.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos shared similar views. He called the operation a strong attack on crime and promised continued backing through the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

The unity shown by both governors highlights one of the key aspects of Operation Kosaye: a rare example of state cooperation against criminal groups that have traditionally exploited borders to escape justice.

Years of Planned Investment

Operation Kosaye did not just pop up.

It is part of a larger security framework developed by the Abiodun administration over the last seven years.

From the start, the governor understood that economic growth could only happen where people feel safe.

This led to strengthening the Ogun State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps. This involved hiring more staff, specialized training, and improving their capabilities.

The corps now has patrol vehicles, motorcycles, communication tools, and intelligence resources to enhance community policing and quick response across Ogun.

Governor Abiodun has made it clear that Amotekun must remain disciplined and accountable. He has repeatedly warned against corruption, abuse of power, and actions that could damage the public's trust in the corps.

The administration also revamped the Ogun State Security Trust Fund, creating a framework for private investment in security funding.

Police stations throughout the state have received consistent government support, including upgrades, vehicles, communication tools, and other logistics.

Community policing has been strengthened by engaging traditional leaders, youth groups, and local vigilante teams. This is because gathering intelligence is crucial in the fight against crime.

Security in a Key Area

Ogun State has a vital geographical position in Nigeria.

It borders Lagos, the country's business center, and shares an international border with Benin Republic. This makes it an important economic route and a key transit area.

But this location also brings about unique security challenges.

Understanding this, Governor Abiodun has made border security a top priority.

Recently, the state government met with the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for the South-West to enhance cooperation against cross-border crime. They also focused on building on the successes of the Gateway Shield security initiative.

Likewise, various security agencies, including police and military, have conducted joint patrols and assessments along the Ogun-Ondo border, especially in the Ogun Waterside area.

The goal is clear: to extend this collaborative security model beyond Lagos and ensure that every vulnerable area gets the attention it needs.

Rethinking Security

These efforts showcase a clear governance approach.

Governor Abiodun sees security not just as law enforcement but as the base for economic growth and social stability.

This is especially important for Ogun State, known for one of Nigeria’s largest industrial areas and as a major route for people and goods entering Lagos.

Factories need security for their workers. Investors shy away where there is fear. Farmers cannot work their land with threats of kidnapping hanging over them.

In this light, Operation Kosaye is not just a police operation. It marks progress in a security plan aimed at making Ogun State a safe place for business and development.

The rescued victims, destroyed criminal camps, seized weapons, and many arrests show that smart policing, combined with political will and teamwork, can lead to real change.

The true test will be keeping the progress going.

If the Lagos-Ogun model continues to work, and if other states follow suit, Operation Kosaye could be remembered as a successful policing model in Nigeria.

For criminals who used to hide in forests and across state lines, the message is clear.

There is truly no hiding place.