Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has hailed security agencies for the ongoing “massive onslaught ” against criminals, following the ‘Operation Kosaye’ coordinated security crackdown in Ogun and Lagos states that led to the arrest of 88 suspects, killing of four criminals during a gun duel with the operatives, rescuing of five kidnapped victims and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.

In a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, the governor said: “We will continue to work with the police and other security agencies to ensure that our state is safe and secure for residents and visitors.

“We appreciate the huge efforts of the police as directed by Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, in arresting the suspects and the cooperation of our neighbours, Ogun State. This is the way it should be.”

Sanwo-Olu, therefore, urged residents of the state to keep assisting the police with information on criminals’ hideouts.
ALSO, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has commended the IGP for initiating the joint Ogun-Lagos security operation, describing it as a bold, proactive and intelligence-driven initiative that has significantly strengthened security across the two neighbouring states.

Abiodun said the operation had recorded remarkable successes through coordinated security operations that have seen operatives comb forests and criminal hideouts along the Ogun-Lagos corridor, neutralise armed bandits, arrest several criminal suspects and rescue kidnapped victims.

The governor noted that the achievements had restored public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and reinforced the commitment of security agencies to the protection of lives and property.

He said his administration would continue to provide the logistics, operational support and technology required to strengthen policing and enhance the effectiveness of security operations across the state.

MEANWHILE, a popular Islamic cleric in Ondo State, Sheikh AbdulRauf Lagbaji, has called on government at all levels to ensure the prosecution of any bandit or kidnapper found guilty of criminal acts.

According to the cleric, who is the founder of the At-Tanzil Foundation, reintegrating convicted criminals into society would further bring calamity upon the country.

Lagbaji spoke during a lecture at the Ashura Day celebration organised by the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Ondo State chapter, where he urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the swift execution of those convicted for the 2022 Owo church massacre.

The cleric, while speaking on the theme, “Ashura: Navigating Peaceful Pathways Amidst Hostilities: What Is the Practical Relevance in Contemporary Nigeria?” said the government must not make the mistake of believing that bandits would genuinely repent, warning that if they are spared, Allah would not spare them in the hereafter.

Lagbaji further appealed to lawyers across the country to refrain from representing or serving as defence counsel for anyone involved in banditry or kidnapping, while also calling on the government to review the Constitution to allow for the immediate execution of those found guilty of such crimes.

On his part, the Grand Imam of Akure Kingdom, AbdulHakeem Yayi-Akorede, called on Muslims in the state to become more actively involved in politics to ensure greater recognition and representation in governance.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, Leke Adegbite, expressed concern over what he described as the marginalisation of Muslims in political appointments in Ondo State, noting that despite the reasonable Muslim population in the state, they remain under-represented in key government positions.