Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Security chiefs in Ogun State have conducted a high-level joint operational assessment and show of force across the Ogun–Ondo border corridor, signalling a renewed and coordinated commitment to combating crime and consolidating the gains of the ongoing "Operation Kosaye". The operation, which took place on Sunday, 5 July 2026, covered strategic communities from Itele-Ijebu to the Ondo State border, including the Ogun Waterside axis covering Iwopin, Abigi, and Ibiade. The exercise was designed to reinforce security along one of the state's most vulnerable corridors, sustain ongoing efforts to combat crime and criminality, and send a clear message that the border area remains under continuous dominance and coordinated inter-agency security monitoring.
The joint assessment tour brought together an unprecedented array of security commanders and government stakeholders. Leading the operation was the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, alongside the Security Consultant to the Ogun State Governor, retired Commissioner of Police Edward Ajogun. Other participants included the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General J.O. Onu; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Ogun State Command, Director R.A. Adelakun, fsi+; the Ogun State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Remilekun Omolade Ekundayo; the Commander of the Ogun State Security Network (Amotekun Corps), Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd.); and the State Commander of the So-Safe Corps, Commander Dr Soji Ganzallo. The Executive Chairmen of Ijebu East, Ijebu North East, and Ogun Waterside Local Government Areas also joined the assessment, underscoring the importance of local government collaboration in security governance.
The assessment and analysis exercise traversed the Ijebu Ode-Ore Expressway stretches, covering a wide arc of communities from the threshold of Ijebu Ode through J2, J3, J4, Itele, Atoyo, Agerige, Ogbere, Ibiade, Iwopin, and Abigi in Ogun Waterside. The operation terminated at Ajebandele, the boundary community between Ogun and Ondo States, where a comprehensive assessment of the security environment was conducted. During the exercise, the joint security team carried out an extensive assessment of critical locations and vulnerable areas along the corridor, evaluated the prevailing security situation, reviewed operational requirements, and assessed the terrain and environmental factors influencing security operations within the axis. The assessment also strengthened inter-agency coordination and provided an opportunity to engage relevant stakeholders towards enhancing intelligence gathering and promoting community participation in crime prevention.
The show of force was intended to reassure residents, commuters, and other road users of the readiness of the security agencies to protect lives and property, sustain security dominance within the corridor, and respond promptly to emerging security challenges. It also served as a clear warning to criminal elements that the Ogun–Ondo border corridor is under constant surveillance and that security agencies are working in unison to deny them safe haven. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies in Ogun State to curb criminal activities along border communities and improve public confidence in the state's security architecture. The Ogun Waterside axis, in particular, has been a focal point of concern due to its porous borders and the prevalence of criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal smuggling.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the high level of cooperation demonstrated by all participating security agencies, government officials, and critical stakeholders. He reaffirmed the command's commitment to sustaining joint operations, strengthening intelligence sharing, leveraging modern policing technology, and deepening collaboration with communities to prevent crime and enhance public safety across Ogun State. The CP further admonished the general public to be security conscious, remain vigilant, and continue to provide timely, credible, and actionable information to security agencies, noting that effective security is best achieved through a strong partnership between law enforcement agencies and the public. "Effective policing depends on timely and credible information from members of the public," Ojajuni stated, urging residents to promptly report suspicious activities through designated emergency lines.
The operation is the latest in a series of coordinated security efforts under the banner of Operation Kosaye, a joint security offensive launched by the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands in June 2026. The operation, whose name translates to "there is no hiding place" in Yoruba, was designed to dismantle kidnapping syndicates, armed robbery gangs, and other violent criminal groups exploiting forests and border communities across the two states. Since its launch, Operation Kosaye has recorded significant successes, including the neutralisation of four kidnappers and the rescue of five victims within the first 24 hours of its commencement. In a related operation, police from Ogun and Lagos states rescued five kidnapped victims unharmed, neutralised four kidnappers, and arrested 88 suspects during a major operation in Area J4 Forest. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commended the Inspector-General of Police for initiating the operation, describing it as a bold step that has restored public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and reinforced the commitment of security agencies to the protection of lives and property.
The high-level assessment along the Ogun–Ondo border is a direct response to the persistent security challenges that have plagued the corridor, including cross-border raids, kidnapping for ransom, and organised crime. The involvement of the military, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun, and So-Safe Corps reflects a whole-of-government approach to security, recognising that no single agency can effectively address the complex threats facing border communities. The participation of local government chairmen further highlights the importance of grassroots engagement in security governance, as community leaders are often best positioned to provide intelligence and facilitate cooperation between security forces and residents. As the joint security team concluded its assessment and returned to base, the message to both residents and criminals was unequivocal: the Ogun–Ondo border corridor will not be allowed to become a haven for lawlessness, and the security agencies are prepared to sustain the pressure until lasting peace and safety are achieved.
For emergencies or to provide credible information, residents may contact the Ogun State Police Command through the Gateway Shield toll-free line on 0800 000 9111, or via emergency lines 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.
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