The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 43 suspects during a coordinated raid on criminal dens under the ongoing Operation Kosaye, a joint security initiative aimed at tackling banditry, kidnapping, cultism, drug-related crimes and other criminal activities across Ogun and Lagos states.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the operation followed credible intelligence that identified a notorious hideout at Isheri-Olofin along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, opposite the Kara Cattle Market, as a base for suspected cultists, drug dealers, prostitutes and other criminal elements.

He said SWAT operatives were deployed to the area, leading to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of suspected Indian hemp, “Loud” and other hard drugs, 10 mobile phones, four power banks, a rechargeable hand fan, a cross-body bag containing two ATM cards and a National Identity Card, among other exhibits.

According to the police spokesperson, investigations have been concluded and all 43 suspects have been arraigned before a court on charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, unlawful society membership, unlawful assembly, breach of public peace, disorderly conduct, unlawful possession of suspected cannabis, prostitution and operating an unlicensed brothel. They have since been remanded in a correctional facility pending further legal proceedings.

Babaseyi added that the latest arrests have increased the number of suspects prosecuted under Operation Kosaye to 76, reaffirming the command’s commitment to sustaining its crackdown on criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents across Ogun State.