The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects, identified as Shehu and Abubakar, over the kidnapping of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria at Idi-Ayunre in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, the incident happened around 6 pm on Tuesday, May 20, 2026.
Ayanlade said the police received a distress call from the institute’s Chief Security Officer at the Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters, reporting that armed men stormed the premises and abducted two members of staff to an unknown location.
Following the report, police operatives visited the scene for an immediate assessment. Preliminary investigations revealed that about six armed men carried out the operation before fleeing with the victims.
Ayanlade said, “The State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that on May 19, 2026, at about 1800hrs, a distress report was received at Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters from the Chief Security Officer of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, reporting the abduction of two staff members of the institution by unidentified armed men who reportedly invaded the premises of the institute and whisked the victims away to an unknown destination.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives immediately visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment, during which preliminary findings revealed that about six armed men invaded the area before abducting the victims.”
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He explained that security operatives had launched coordinated bush-combing and search operations across nearby forest areas connected to the crime.
The spokesperson added that the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, to rescue the victims and track down those responsible.
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Ayanlade further said, “It was during one of such operations on May 20, 2026, at about 0810hrs, that police operatives encountered and accosted two suspicious individuals identified as Shehu and Abubakar.
“Upon preliminary interrogation, the duo volunteered to lead the operatives to the hideout of their accomplices.
“However, while approaching the suspected location, the team came under gunfire attack from armed men believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“The operatives responded professionally, repelled the attack, and successfully extracted the two suspects, who are currently in the custody of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.”
The command also dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging another mass abduction in Abanla community and other parts of Ibadan, describing the claims as false and misleading.
Ayanlade said, “While these operations are ongoing and yielding actionable leads, the command has observed with serious concern the circulation of false and misleading reports by certain media outlets and social media platforms alleging another mass abduction in Abanla community and other parts of Ibadan.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the State Police Command categorically states that no such incident has been reported anywhere within Ibadan metropolis or its environs apart from the already reported CRIN incident presently receiving robust operational attention.
“The command views the dissemination of such unverified and sensational reports as highly irresponsible and capable of creating unnecessary fear, panic, and tension among residents.
“Beyond this, the spread of false information has the tendency to undermine public confidence in ongoing security efforts while equally diverting limited operational and emergency response resources away from genuine security concerns requiring immediate attention.
“It is against this backdrop that the command strongly advises media organisations, bloggers, and social media influencers to uphold the principles of responsible reportage by verifying security-related information through appropriate channels before publication.”
He noted that the police would continue to work closely with the media while emphasising the need for accurate and professional reporting in the interest of public safety and national security.
The command reassured residents that security had been strengthened across the affected area and other strategic locations in the state to prevent criminal activities, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information.
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