Present administration in Lagos State has the capacity and will to fight all forms of crime and criminality.

It says it will not relent in its efforts until criminal elements have no hiding place in the State.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode who made this known said in the last few weeks, there had been a coordinated onslaught by security agencies in the State against vandals and kidnappers, under the code name ‘Operation Awatse.

Ambode while on the safe rescue of the Oniba of Iba, Oba Goriola Oseni, said the operation would continue until their activities are completely stamped out.

The Governor, who spoke through Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, said the kidnap of an Oba in Yorubaland was a sacrilege and a complete desecration of the cultural values of the Yoruba race, which according to him, must not go unpunished.

The Governor also commended the police and other security agencies for their all-round efforts in securing the release of the Oba and effecting the arrests of two of the suspected kidnappers, saying the Oba has since returned safely to his palace.

He urged the public to continue to be vigilant and take advantage of the State’s emergency numbers 112 and 767 to alert security agencies of any suspicious actions in their areas, assuring that Government would continue to support security agencies to ensure that Lagosians remain safe and secure.

Responding to questions from journalists, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, atai Owoseni, said the sustained pressure and hot chaise given to the kidnappers led to the rescue of the Monarch.

While responding to inquiries as to whether ransom was paid, Owoseni said: “We have always reiterated that it is not about whether ransom was paid or not. If it is about ransom, suspect will not be arrested and what I will say is that the pressure by the Lagos Command and the Special Response Team of the Inspector General of Police from Abuja, the combined efforts and pressure paid off and the most important thing is that Kabiyesi is in his palace.”

The CP added that the monarch was hale and hearty as at the time of his rescue, saying that he met personally with the monarch and debriefed him on his state of health.

Besides, Owoseni debunked insinuation that the State Government abandoned the monarch to his fate during the period of the ordeal.