...Says operation has flushed out criminals from Ogun, Lagos border, parts of Oyo
By SAM POPOOLA, Ota
A mammoth crowd comprising community leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, religious groups and residents of Sango-Ota on Thursday turned out at the Sango-Ota Area Command to welcome the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, during his strategic operational visit to the command.
Leading the reception was the Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Lawal, alongside representatives of sister security agencies, including the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), the Nigerian Navy School, Department of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), So-safe, SKYNET and the Federal Fire Service.
Also present were Christian and Muslim leaders, traditional rulers led by the Olota of Ota, Oba Abdulkabir Adeyemi Obalanlege II, market associations, local hunters, and representatives of the Hausa and Igbo communities.
Visibly delighted by the overwhelming reception, CP Ojajuni commended officers and men of the Sango-Ota Area Command for sustaining peace and security in the area.
The Commissioner declared that the ongoing security initiative, Operation KOS'AYE, initiated by the Inspector-General of Police, has dealt a significant blow to criminal activities along the Ogun-Lagos border and extended its impact to parts of Oyo State.
Describing the turnout of stakeholders as evidence of strong community policing, Ojajuni said:
"The Sango-Ota we expected to be volatile has remained calm and very secure in recent times. It shows that the police, sister security agencies and stakeholders have been working tirelessly to keep the area safe."
He explained that Operation KOS'AYE, supported by the Ogun and Lagos State Governments, has denied criminals safe havens across the two states.
"There is no hiding place for criminals anymore. We have flushed them out. Many have been neutralised, many arrested, and the operation is still ongoing," he stated.
The Commissioner urged residents to sustain their support for security agencies through timely intelligence, stressing that effective policing depends on strong community partnership.
"Your support is needed continuously in terms of intelligence, cooperation and collaboration. There is no way we can succeed without the support of the community."
Ojajuni also applauded journalists for responsible security reporting, describing members of the media as long-standing partners of the police. He further charged police personnel to remain disciplined, professional and accountable, while warning against corruption, extortion and harassment of members of the public.
Earlier, the Area Commander, ACP Olusola Oladele, said the command covers the strategic Ado-Odo/Ota and Ifo Local Government Areas, home to numerous industries and major transport corridors, including the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Badagry Expressway and Atan-Ota Road.
She said intelligence-led policing, sustained patrols and stronger community engagement had resulted in the arrest and prosecution of several suspected violent criminals, while others were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
ACP Oladele, however, appealed for additional operational logistics, including communication equipment, operational torchlights and protective gear to enhance officers' safety and operational effectiveness.
She also appealed for the extension of Operation KOS'AYE to the abandoned Gateway Hotel, recalling that a joint operation by the Area Command and Zone 2 Police Command in 2025 dislodged 98 suspected criminals from the facility before they were handed over to the Ogun State Police Command.
According to her, many of the suspects have since returned to the abandoned premises, making another coordinated operation necessary to permanently rid the area of criminal elements.
Speaking on behalf of sister security agencies, Ogun West TRACE Zonal Commander, Cdr. Ajibade Adekunle, described the Commissioner's visit as a major morale booster for security personnel.
"It is a clear testament to your hands-on leadership style and your unwavering commitment to the security and welfare of the good people of Ogun State."
He stressed that collaboration among security agencies has continued to strengthen security across the area.
"The days of working in silos are gone. Today, the Police, Military, DSS, TRACE, NSCDC, So-Safe Corps and all other security agencies are working with one purpose. We appreciate ACP Olusola Oladele for sustaining this synergy."
Ajibade assured the Commissioner that joint intelligence sharing and coordinated patrols would continue to deny criminals any safe haven within Ado-Odo/Ota and neighbouring communities.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
"Security is everybody's business. We urge our traditional rulers, community leaders, market associations and residents to continue supporting us. If you see something, say something. Timely information remains our most potent weapon against crime."
On traffic management, the TRACE Commander urged motorists and commercial transport operators to obey traffic regulations, noting that most road crashes are caused by human negligence.
He warned against indiscriminate picking and dropping of passengers on highways, especially around the Toll Gate and other busy locations.
Ajibade further disclosed that security agencies would soon commence a joint enforcement operation to remove illegal roadside traders and commercial drivers obstructing traffic.
"We will not hesitate to impound the goods of erring traders and apprehend anyone violating traffic and safety regulations," he warned.
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