The Oyo State Police Command has rescued two kidnap victims and arrested three suspected kidnappers following an attack at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Idi-Ayunre, in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed 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 abducted while visiting the CRIN nursery site to submit their annual cocoa seedlings for the 2026 planting season.
According to Ayanlade, a joint security team comprising the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes, and the Amotekun Corps swiftly responded to the distress call.
“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.
He added that the suspects are currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.
The police spokesperson noted that efforts were ongoing to rescue other victims, as security operatives had launched intensive bush-combing operations and sustained pursuit of the fleeing suspects.
The command reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives 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.