The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped cocoa farmers and arrested three suspects following a swift security operation at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan.
The incident, which occurred on March 18, 2026, at about 12:23 p.m., involved representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, who were at the CRIN nursery site to submit their annual cocoa seedling collections for the 2026 planting season.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the farmers were abducted by unidentified armed men at the facility.
Upon receiving the distress call, security operatives including the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups launched a coordinated response and pursued the attackers.
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The operation resulted in the successful rescue of two male victims, while three suspects were apprehended and are currently in police custody.
The Command disclosed that efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims, with security teams intensifying bush combing operations and maintaining pressure on fleeing criminals.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the police urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and supportive by providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
The Command emphasized its resolve to continue safeguarding lives and property across Oyo State.
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