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The Oyo State Police Command says two of the cocoa farmers kidnapped by gunmen in Ibadan on Wednesday at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre, have been rescued and three suspects arrested.
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Public Relations of the Command, disclosed this in a press statement.
He added that “Intensive efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim(s), as security operatives have commenced aggressive bush combing operations and sustained pursuit of the fleeing criminals.”
Read the full press statement below:
RE: KIDNAPPING INCIDENT AT COCOA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF NIGERIA (CRIN), IDI-AYUNRE – RESCUE OPERATIONS ONGOING.
The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a kidnapping incident reported today, 18th March 2026, at about 1223 hours, at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre.
Information available to the Command indicates that representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, who were at the CRIN nursery site to submit their annual collections of cocoa seedlings for the 2026 planting season, were abducted by unidentified armed men.
Upon receipt of the distress report, a combined security team comprising the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilante groups, and Amotekun Corps swiftly mobilized to the scene and engaged the assailants in a coordinated pursuit.
This prompt and decisive response led to the successful rescue of two male victims. In the course of the operation, three suspects were arrested and are currently in police custody.
Intensive efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim(s), as security operatives have commenced aggressive bush combing operations and sustained pursuit of the fleeing criminals.
The Command assures the public that it remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property across the State. Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations.
For Emergencies, Contact:
Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615.
Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614 & 07055495413.
E- SIGNED
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
18th March, 2026.