Dare Babalola
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Idi-Ayunre, Oyo State, on Wednesday, at approximately 12:23 pm.
According to DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer, some representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, were abducted by unidentified armed men while at the CRIN nursery site to submit their annual cocoa seedlings collections for the 2026 planting season.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a kidnapping incident reported today, 19th March 2026, at about 1223 hours, at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre,” DSP Olayinka said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
He disclosed that the prompt response led to the successful rescue of two male victims, while three suspects were arrested and are currently in police custody.
In addition, Olayinka disclosed that intensive efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims, with security operatives conducting aggressive bush combing operations and sustained pursuit of the fleeing criminals.
The Command assured the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
LMembers of the public are urged to remain calm and vigilant, and to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations,” the statement added.
For emergencies, the public can contact the Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615, or the Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614 & 07055495413.
The police promised to continue to provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available.
