Four suspected kidnappers are dead. Police say they were shot during raids across Lagos and Ogun states this week.
Officers also rescued five abducted persons during the operation. They arrested 88 suspects in total across both states.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed the coordinated sweeps. Lagos and Ogun governments provided logistical backing for the exercise.
Police called the operation "Ko Si Aye." In English, that means "No Room for Criminals."
The two commissioners of police briefed journalists at Iperu in Ogun State on Thursday. CP Bode Ojajuni and CP Tijani Fatai led the press conference together.
Officers swept through forests and hideouts in multiple locations. Areas covered included Ikeja, Kara Bridge, Redemption Camp, Shagamu Corridor, Ogere, and Ijebu-Ode.
The teams also searched Epe, Ikorodu, Ogijo, Owode-Apa and Etokin. Operations stretched from Lagos deep into Ogun territory.
One major success came near the Benin-Shagamu Expressway. Five kidnapping victims were freed from the J3–J4 corridor area.
In that rescue operation alone, four kidnappers were neutralised. Four others suspected of involvement were taken into custody.
Ojajuni told reporters the haul of weapons was substantial. Officers recovered AK-47 rifles and pump-action shotguns from various locations.
Assault rifles and English-made pistols were also seized. Locally-made firearms, cutlasses, and mobile phones turned up during searches.
Police say all recovered items link to criminal networks. The operation recovered dozens of exhibits across the two states.
A major finding surprised many observers. Officers found no established bandit camps during their sweeps.
Ojajuni dismissed talk of organised bandit settlements in the region. He said the operation had dispelled such fears among residents.
According to him, the exercise would continue indefinitely. Every criminal element must be flushed out, he stressed.
Fatai, Lagos's police chief, echoed similar sentiments on security threats. He described reports of bandit infiltration as largely exaggerated.
Forest searches and border sweeps revealed nothing of that nature. Community patrols had found no organised criminal bases either.
Fatai noted that the operation showed Disu's commitment to protection. It demonstrated resolve in strengthening nationwide security infrastructure.
"This isn't a one-time exercise," Fatai told reporters bluntly. He promised continuous operations to shield Lagos and Ogun residents.
Local vigilante groups played vital roles throughout. Community members provided intelligence and terrain knowledge to officers.
Security stakeholders worked hand-in-hand with police throughout the operation. This collaboration proved essential to the mission's success.
Fatai assured residents the police would keep reinforcing patrols. Officers remain committed to their duty of community protection.
