The Oyo State Police Command rescued two abducted victims and detained three alleged kidnappers after an attack at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Idi-Ayunre, in the state’s Oluyole Local Government Area.
Olayinka Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, revealed this in a statement on Wednesday in Ibadan.
He said the incident occurred on March 19, 2026, at about 12:23 p.m., when representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, were kidnapped while visiting the CRIN nursery site to submit their annual cocoa seedlings for the 2026 planting season.
Ayanlade claims that the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes, and the Amotekun Corps quickly responded to the distress call as part of a joint security squad.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives mobilised to the scene and engaged the assailants in a coordinated pursuit. This led to the successful rescue of two male victims, while three suspects were arrested,” the statement read.
The suspects are presently being held by the police and assisting with ongoing investigations, he continued.
The police spokesperson stated that efforts were ongoing to rescue other victims, as security personnel had launched intensive bush-combing operations and sustained pursuit of the fleeing suspects.
Residents were reassured by the command of its dedication to safeguarding people and property across the state.
Ayanlade urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to support security agencies with credible information to aid ongoing operations.
