Police Rescue Two Kidnapped Cocoa Farmers, Arrest Three Suspects in Ibadan

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of two kidnapped cocoa farmers and the arrest of three suspects in connection with an abduction incident in Ibadan.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, on Wednesday evening.

According to the statement, the incident occurred earlier in the day at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, located in the Idi-Ayunre area of Ibadan.

Police said the victims, who are members of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, had visited the institute’s nursery site to submit their annual collections of cocoa seedlings for the 2026 planting season when they were attacked.

Preliminary findings revealed that unidentified armed men invaded the premises and abducted four individuals during the operation.

The attackers were said to have struck at about 12:23 p.m., taking advantage of the relatively quiet environment within the research facility to carry out the crime.

Upon receiving information about the incident, the police launched an immediate response, deploying tactical teams to the scene in collaboration with other security outfits.

Ayanlade explained that the rescue operation involved a joint effort between the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilante groups, and the Amotekun Corps.

He noted that the swift and coordinated intervention by the combined security team led to the successful rescue of two of the abducted victims.

“This prompt and decisive response led to the successful rescue of two male victims,” the statement read.

During the operation, three suspects believed to be connected to the abduction were apprehended and are currently in police custody.

Authorities disclosed that the suspects are undergoing interrogation as part of ongoing investigations aimed at uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

Efforts are also underway to secure the release of the remaining victims and apprehend other members of the criminal gang who are still at large.

Security sources indicated that the operation involved combing nearby forests and suspected hideouts where the kidnappers may have retreated.

The Command reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors across the state.

It also emphasized that the collaboration between security agencies and community groups has continued to play a crucial role in tackling criminal activities, particularly kidnapping.

The incident has raised concerns among stakeholders in the agricultural sector, especially cocoa farmers, who often travel across states for farming-related activities.

Experts say such attacks could disrupt agricultural operations and affect productivity if not effectively addressed.

In response, the police urged members of the public, especially those engaged in commercial and agricultural activities, to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies.

The Command further assured that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent a recurrence of such incidents, including increased patrols and intelligence gathering in vulnerable areas.

Residents were also encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.

The police reiterated that the arrested suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of investigations.

Meanwhile, efforts to locate and rescue the remaining abducted victims continue, as security operatives intensify search operations across the affected area.