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Interstate commercial drivers plying the Lagos-Benin Expressway have appealed to the governments of Delta, Edo and Ondo states to emulate the governors of Lagos and Ogun states by supporting the Nigeria Police in the fight against kidnappers.
The Lagos and Ogun state governments recently provided logistics support to the police for the ongoing bush-combing operation, codenamed Operation Kosaye (“No Chance for Criminal Elements”).
Operation Kosaye is an initiative of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, who has pledged to replicate the operation across other states of the federation.
However, commercial drivers plying the Lagos-Benin Expressway have urged other state governments to act swiftly by providing similar support.
One of the drivers of the ill-fated Siena vehicle attacked by kidnappers last Thursday at Ogbere, Ogun State, recounted his ordeal.
“I am a victim of a bandit attack. As I approached the scene, I saw armed men shooting directly at my vehicle. I immediately stopped and ran into the bush because they were shooting to kill and disable the vehicle. I also told my passengers to run or take cover. I knew someone had been shot because I heard a woman screaming that they had killed her.”
The driver, who identified himself as Ikechukwu, said that while hiding in the forest, he overheard the kidnappers ordering their victims not to make phone calls or attempt to escape, warning that anyone who disobeyed would be shot.
He said: “On that fateful Thursday, I had loaded my vehicle in Oraifite, Anambra State. I had a smooth journey until I got to Ogun State, where gunmen attempted to send my passengers to their early graves. How could they open fire on innocent travellers? Are we animals being hunted?”
“The kidnappers came out and started shooting. Many vehicles were forced to stop, and we all ran into the bush. There were about five of them, all heavily armed. They communicated among themselves in fluent Fulani and occasionally switched to Pidgin English when speaking to their captives. One wore a red shirt, while the others wore polo shirts and black trousers. Their faces were covered.”
He said they remained in the bush until the following day.
“We spent about 24 hours in the bush. While I was wondering what to do, I suddenly heard gunshots and people shouting, ‘Lie down where you are.’ I immediately knew that a rescue operation had begun. It felt like a dream. I saw about 50 policemen and raised my hands, telling them I was a driver in distress. They questioned me, and I directed them to the route the kidnappers had taken with their victims. Within 10 minutes, they brought out my passengers.
“I was the happiest man on earth. The police had neutralised some of the kidnappers and arrested two others. News of the rescue spread quickly, and fellow drivers kept calling me to ask what had happened.
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“I must commend the police. They did a fantastic job combing the forest. One major challenge has been addressed, but our fear now is Delta, Edo and Ondo states. Their governors should support the police the same way Lagos and Ogun states have done. The police are willing to work if they receive the necessary logistics.
“Since that incident, my perception of the police has changed. Once the forests along the expressway are cleared of kidnappers, motorists will travel without fear. At the moment, every trip is filled with anxiety until we safely reach our destinations.”
Another driver, Mathew Okonji, who plies the Delta-Lagos route, also appealed to the governments of Delta, Edo and Ondo states to strengthen security.
“I heard about the police combing forests in Lagos and Ogun states. As I drove from Asaba to Lagos, I became worried about Delta, Edo and Ondo because I believe the kidnappers displaced from Ogun may relocate there. My fear is that the governments of these states appear to be doing little about the situation.
“We don’t know who is genuine anymore because we see different people in various uniforms on the highways. Let the police continue the bush-combing operations. Ogun State is much safer now. I thank the governors of Ogun and Lagos states, the IGP, the Commissioners of Police of both states and their teams for a job well done.”
Four armed kidnappers were neutralised during the joint Operation Kosaye carried out by the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands.
The operation, initiated by IGP Olatunji Disu and supported by the Lagos and Ogun state governments, also led to the arrest of four suspected kidnappers after operatives stormed the Area J4 Forest in Ogbere, Ogun State, on Friday night.
During the operation, which involved more than 300 police officers, five travellers abducted along the Ogbere axis of the Lagos-Sagamu-Benin Expressway on Thursday evening were rescued unhurt.
The operatives also recovered sophisticated firearms, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, locally made pistols, ammunition, mobile phones, communication equipment and other exhibits.
Addressing journalists during the official launch of Operation Kosaye at the Nigeria Police Training School in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State, on Saturday, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said the initiative was conceived by IGP Disu and handed over to the Lagos and Ogun State Police Commands for implementation.
He explained that the operation, whose name translates to “There is No Hiding Place for Criminals” in Yoruba, was launched with the full support of the Lagos and Ogun state governments, which provided the logistics required for its success.
