Police rescue two abducted cocoa farmers, arrest three suspects in Oyo

…say operations ongoing to rescue other two victims

The Oyo State Police Command in collaboration Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Local Vigilance Group and Amotekun Corps, have intensified search for the victims kidnapped at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre, Oyo State on Wednesday.

Ayanlade Olayinka, Deputy superintendent of Police and Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in a statement, said four persons were abducted at the scene but two people were later rescued.

“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 engaged the assailants in a coordinated pursuit”, he said.

Ayanlade said the prompt and decisive response led to the successful rescue of two male victims, saying:”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”, he added.

The Command assured 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.