The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 43 suspected criminals during a late-night operation targeting a notorious hideout in Isheri Olofin, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as part of its ongoing Operation Kosaye crackdown on crime across the state.
Police said the coordinated raid was carried out by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit after intelligence reports identified the area, located opposite the Kara Cattle Market, as a gathering point for suspected cultists, drug dealers, prostitutes and other criminal elements.
According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation was executed at about 11 p.m. on July 7 under the leadership of the Commander of the SWAT Unit, CSP Murphy.
The raid resulted in the arrest of 43 suspects, comprising 28 men and 15 women.
During a search of the premises, officers recovered several items believed to be linked to criminal activities. The exhibits included substances suspected to be Indian hemp, “Loud” and other illicit drugs, 10 mobile phones, four power banks, a rechargeable hand fan, and a cross-body bag containing two ATM cards and a National Identity Card, alongside other items now being examined by investigators.
Police said investigations have since been concluded, with all 43 suspects arraigned before a competent court and remanded in correctional custody pending further legal proceedings.
The suspects are facing multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, membership of an unlawful society, unlawful assembly, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession and use of suspected cannabis, prostitution, and operating an unlicensed brothel.
The command disclosed that some of those arrested are cooperating with investigators by providing information that could assist in uncovering additional criminal activities and identifying other suspects connected to ongoing investigations.
Authorities added that follow-up operations are already underway to track down fleeing suspects and dismantle other criminal networks believed to be operating within the area.
Police also revealed that the latest prosecution has increased the total number of suspects charged to court since the launch of Operation Kosaye to 76. This figure includes the 33 suspects prosecuted during the first phase of the operation and the additional 43 arraigned following the latest raid.
According to the command, the development reflects its commitment not only to arresting criminal suspects but also to ensuring thorough investigations and successful prosecution.
Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism, discipline and resilience displayed by the SWAT personnel, describing the latest raid as another significant achievement in the implementation of Operation Kosaye.
He reaffirmed the command’s determination to rid Ogun State of criminal activities, warning that locations used as safe havens for criminals—including drug joints, cult hideouts, illegal brothels and other black spots—would continue to be identified, raided and dismantled.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing crime, assuring the public that the command would continue to rely on intelligence-driven policing, tactical operations and community partnerships to safeguard lives and property across the state.
