By Peace Udugba
The Ogun State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities under the ongoing Operation KOSAYE, arresting 43 suspects during a coordinated raid on a notorious criminal hideout in the Isheri-Olofin area and recovering suspected hard drugs, mobile phones and other exhibits.
The Command said the latest operation reflects its sustained intelligence-led strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks, clearing black spots and improving public safety across the state.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation was carried out at about 11:00 p.m. on July 7, 2026, following credible intelligence that a notorious hideout around Isheri-Olofin, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway opposite Kara Cattle Market, had become a base for cult-related activities, drug abuse, prostitution and other criminal acts.
Acting on the intelligence, the Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, CSP Murphy, deployed operatives who raided the location and arrested 43 suspects, comprising 28 males and 15 females.
Police said a search of the premises led to the recovery of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, “Loud” and other hard drugs, 10 mobile phones, four power banks, one rechargeable hand fan, a cross-body bag containing two ATM cards and a National Identity Card, as well as other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
The Command disclosed that after investigations, all 43 suspects were arraigned before a competent court and remanded in a correctional facility.
They are facing 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, operating and managing an unlicensed brothel, living on the earnings of prostitution and other related offences under Ogun State laws.
Police further revealed that some of the suspects are providing useful information to investigators on other criminal cases, while follow-up operations are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects and dismantle other criminal networks.
The Command noted that with the latest prosecution, the total number of suspects charged to court under Operation KOSAYE has risen to 76, comprising 33 suspects prosecuted during the initial phase of the operation and the additional 43 suspects arraigned following the latest raid.
Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the SWAT operatives for their professionalism, resilience and operational effectiveness, describing the raid as another significant milestone in the implementation of Operation KOSAYE.
He reiterated that Ogun State would remain hostile to criminals, warning that criminal hideouts, drug joints, brothels used as covers for criminal activities, cult enclaves and other black spots would continue to be identified, raided and dismantled.
The Commissioner also urged residents to support the Police with timely and credible information, assuring the public that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, tactical operations and community partnerships to safeguard lives and property.
