Police Storm Criminal Hideout in Ogun, Arrest 43 Suspects, Recover Drugs and Other Exhibits

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested 43 suspects during a late-night raid on a notorious criminal hideout in Isheri-Olofin, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as part of the ongoing Operation KOSAYE aimed at tackling crime across the state.

The operation, carried out by officers of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, also led to the recovery of suspected hard drugs, mobile phones and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.

According to a statement issued by the Ogun State Police Command, the raid followed credible intelligence that the location, situated opposite the Kara Cattle Market, had become a gathering point for suspected cult members, drug users, prostitutes and other criminal elements.

The operation, which took place at about 11:00 p.m. on July 7, was led by the Commander of the SWAT Unit, CSP Murphy.

Police said 28 men and 15 women were arrested during the exercise.

During a search of the premises, officers recovered substances suspected to be cannabis and “Loud,” as well as other suspected hard drugs. They also seized 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.

The Command said all 43 suspects have been charged to court and remanded in a correctional facility.

They are facing charges including criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, membership of an unlawful society, possession and use of suspected cannabis, conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace, prostitution, operating an unlicensed brothel and other offences under the laws of Ogun State.

Police also disclosed that some of the suspects are providing useful information to investigators regarding other criminal cases, with follow-up operations already underway to track down additional suspects.

The Command noted that with the latest prosecution, the total number of suspects charged to court under Operation KOSAYE has increased to 76.

Thirty-three suspects were earlier prosecuted during the first phase of the operation, while the newly arrested 43 suspects bring the total to 76.

Commending the SWAT officers for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid Ogun State of criminal hideouts.

He warned that the police would continue to identify and dismantle locations used for cult activities, drug abuse, prostitution and other criminal operations.

The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information that would assist security agencies in preventing crime across the state.