Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State has arrested two suspects linked to the abduction of staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan.
The suspects, identified as Shehu and Abubakar, were apprehended during ongoing rescue operations launched after armed men invaded the CRIN premises at Idi-Ayunre in Oluyole Local Government Area on Tuesday evening.
According to the Oyo State Police Command, the kidnappers stormed the institute around 6pm and abducted two staff members before fleeing into nearby forest areas.
Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade said the incident was first reported by the institution’s Chief Security Officer at the Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters.
“Preliminary findings revealed that about six armed men invaded the area before abducting the victims,” Ayanlade stated.
Following the report, police operatives launched coordinated search operations and intensive bush combing across surrounding forests believed to be connected to the kidnapping route.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Olugbemiga Abimbola, reportedly ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams and intelligence assets, including operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad.
Police said the two suspects were intercepted on Wednesday morning during one of the operations and later volunteered information about the hideout of other gang members.
However, while approaching the suspected location, security operatives reportedly came under heavy gunfire from armed men believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“The operatives responded professionally, repelled the attack, and successfully extracted the two suspects,” the police said, adding that both men are currently in custody for further interrogation and intelligence gathering.
The police command also reacted to reports circulating on social media alleging fresh mass abductions in Abanla community and other parts of Ibadan, describing the claims as false and misleading.
According to the command, no other kidnapping incident has been officially reported outside the CRIN abduction currently under investigation.
Police warned media organisations, bloggers and social media users against spreading unverified security reports capable of causing panic and undermining ongoing operations.
Authorities assured residents that security patrols and surveillance have been intensified across affected areas while efforts continue to rescue the abducted CRIN staff members.
