Police Confirm Abduction of Two CRIN Staff in Oyo, Arrest Suspects During Rescue Operation
The Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State has confirmed the abduction of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, dismissing reports circulating on social media alleging a mass kidnapping in Ibadan and nearby communities.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2026, when armed men reportedly stormed the institute’s premises at Idi-Ayunre and whisked away the victims to an unknown location.
The police said the institution’s Chief Security Officer reported the incident to the Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters, prompting officers to immediately visit the scene and commence preliminary investigations.
Initial findings revealed that about six armed suspects carried out the attack before escaping through nearby forest routes with the abducted staff members.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, directed the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, to intensify rescue efforts and track down those responsible.
Security operatives subsequently launched coordinated search and bush-combing operations across surrounding communities and forests linked to the incident.
During one of the operations conducted on Tuesday morning, May 20, 2026, police operatives reportedly intercepted two suspicious individuals identified as Shehu and Abubakar. Authorities said preliminary interrogation led the suspects to provide useful information regarding the location of other members of the kidnapping gang.
However, while advancing toward the suspected hideout, the police team reportedly came under heavy gunfire from armed men believed to be members of the syndicate. Operatives responded and successfully repelled the attack before safely extracting the two suspects.
The suspects are currently in the custody of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad as investigations and rescue operations continue.
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