Nigeria Police. Photo by Daily Post)
The Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of two suspects, identified as Shehu and Abubakar, in connection with the kidnapping of two employees of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Idi-Ayunre, which took place on Tuesday.
Command spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade disclosed that the abduction happened at around 6pm, after the chief security officer of CRIN reported to the Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters that armed men had stormed the institute’s premises and taken two staff members to an unknown location.
Initial investigations at the scene indicated that approximately six gunmen were involved in the attack.
Following the report, police launched intensive search operations across forested areas surrounding the institute.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units, including the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.
During a search operation on the morning of May 20, 2026, officers encountered two individuals acting suspiciously.
Under questioning, the two men agreed to lead operatives to where their accomplices were hiding. However, as the team neared the location, they came under gunfire from men believed to be part of the kidnapping group.
Officers repelled the attack and took both suspects into custody for further questioning.
The Command also dismissed circulating reports on social media and by some outlets alleging a separate mass abduction in the Abanla community and other parts of Ibadan, describing them as false and irresponsible.
It warned that such unverified reports create unnecessary public panic and undermine active security operations.
Journalists, bloggers and social media influencers were urged to verify security-related information through official channels before publishing.
Residents were reassured that security has been strengthened across the affected areas and were encouraged to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies.
