The Oyo State Police Command has announced the arrest of two suspects linked to the abduction of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN)in Idi-Ayunre on Tuesday.
This suspects simply identified as Shehu and Abubakar were alleged to be involved in the attack and abduction of the CRIN worker at about 6pm on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Oyo Police Command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, a distress report was received at the Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters from the chief security officer of CRIN.
The institute’s CSO reportED the abduction of two staff members of the institution by unidentified armed men who reportedly invaded the premises and whisked the victims away to an unknown destination.
Upon receipt of the report, the police spokesperson said operatives immediately visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment, during which preliminary findings revealed that about six armed men invaded the area before abducting the victims.
“The State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that on May 19, 2026, at about 1800hrs, a distress report was received at Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters from the Chief Security Officer of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, reporting the abduction of two staff members of the institution by unidentified armed men who reportedly invaded the premises of the institute and whisked the victims away to an unknown destination.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives immediately visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment, during which preliminary findings revealed that about six armed men invaded the area before abducting the victims.” Ayanlade said.
He disclosed that intensive bush-combing and coordinated search operations had commenced across surrounding forested locations linked to the incident.
The PPRO added that the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbemiga Abimbola, had directed the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence assets, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of the perpetrators.
According to him, it was during one of such operations on May 20, 2026, at about 0810hrs, that police operatives encountered and accosted two suspicious individuals identified as Shehu and Abubakar.
“Upon preliminary interrogation, the duo volunteered to lead the operatives to the hideout of their accomplices.
“However, while approaching the suspected location, the team came under a gunfire attack from armed men believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“The operatives responded professionally, repelled the attack, and successfully extracted the two suspects, who are currently in the custody of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.” He said.
Meanwhile, the police spokesperson debunked reports of another alleged mass abduction in Abanla community and other parts of Ibadan.
He held that no such incident occurred apart from the CRIN attack.
“While these operations are ongoing and yielding actionable leads, the command has observed with serious concern the circulation of false and misleading reports by certain media outlets and social media platforms alleging another mass abduction in the Abanla community and other parts of Ibadan.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the State Police Command categorically states that no such incident has been reported anywhere within the Ibadan metropolis or its environs apart from the already reported CRIN incident presently receiving robust operational attention.
“The command views the dissemination of such unverified and sensational reports as highly irresponsible and capable of creating unnecessary fear, panic, and tension among residents.” Ayanlade said.
He warned against the spread of such false information, charging media outlets to verify security-related information before circulation.
“Beyond this, the spread of false information has the tendency to undermine public confidence in ongoing security efforts while equally diverting limited operational and emergency response resources away from genuine security concerns requiring immediate attention.
“It is against this backdrop that the command strongly advises media organisations, bloggers, and social media influencers to uphold the principles of responsible reportage by verifying security-related information through appropriate channels before publication.” Ayanlande said.