Police Rescue Kidnapped Cocoa Farmers in Oyo State

On March 18, 2026, two cocoa farmers were kidnapped by unidentified armed men at a nursery site associated with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Oyo State Police Command, through a statement by DSP Ayanlad Olayinka, confirmed the incident and detailed the immediate response from security forces.

Upon receiving a distress report, a combined security team, including the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilante groups, and Amotekun Corps, was mobilized to the scene. This coordinated effort led to the successful rescue of the two male victims and the arrest of three suspects, who are currently in police custody.

The police assured the public of their commitment to maintaining security across the state and urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, providing credible information to assist ongoing operations.