The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre, while dismissing widespread reports on social media alleging a mass abduction in Ibadan and surrounding communities.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the incident occurred on Monday, May 19, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., when suspected armed kidnappers invaded the CRIN premises at Idi-Ayunre and abducted two members of staff to an unknown destination.
According to the statement, the institution’s Chief Security Officer reported the incident at the Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters, prompting an immediate response from Police operatives who visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that about six armed men carried out the attack before escaping into nearby forest areas with the victims.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, directed the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, to ensure the rescue of the victims and the arrest of the perpetrators.
The Command disclosed that intensive bush-combing and coordinated search operations were launched across surrounding communities linked to the incident.
During one of the operations on Tuesday, May 20, 2026, at about 8:10 a.m., Police operatives intercepted two suspicious persons identified as Shehu and Abubakar. Preliminary interrogation reportedly led the suspects to provide useful information concerning the hideout of other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
However, while approaching the suspected hideout, the Police team reportedly came under heavy gunfire attack from armed men believed to be members of the gang. The operatives engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing the suspects to flee into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
The Police Command stated that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and rescue the abducted victims safely.
The Command also urged residents to disregard unverified reports of mass kidnapping circulating online, describing such claims as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among members of the public.
DSP Olayinka assured residents that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state and advised the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security agency.
