The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) Idi-Ayunre, while also debunking false reports circulating on social media alleging a mass abduction within Ibadan and surrounding communities.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred on Monday, 19th May, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., when armed men reportedly invaded the premises of CRIN at Idi-Ayunre and abducted two staff members to an unknown destination.
The statement disclosed that the distress report was lodged at the Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters by the institution’s Chief Security Officer, prompting an immediate response from Police operatives who visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that approximately six armed men carried out the operation before fleeing into nearby forested areas with the victims.
Following the development, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible.
The Command stated that intensive bush-combing and coordinated search operations were subsequently launched across surrounding locations linked to the incident.
During one of the operations on Tuesday, 20th May, 2026, at about 8:10 a.m., Police operatives intercepted two suspicious persons identified as Shehu and Abubakar. Preliminary interrogation reportedly led the suspects to volunteer information about the hideout of other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
However, while approaching the suspected hideout, officers came under heavy gunfire from armed men believed to be the suspected kidnappers.
The heavy gunfire with officers forced the criminals to flee deeper into the forest with gunshot wounds, while efforts to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend other fleeing members of the gang are ongoing.
The Command reassured residents that the security situation remains under control and urged members of the public to disregard unverified reports of mass abductions circulating online, while also encouraging citizens to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies.
