Kidnappers have again struck at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, abducting three staff members who were inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday through its Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, who said efforts were underway to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
In a statement issued in Ibadan, Ayanlade said the command had launched a manhunt for the abductors following the report of the incident.
“The Oyo State Police Command confirms a kidnapping incident involving three staff members of the CRIN, who were abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises,” he said.
He added that the command had commenced intensive operations to secure the victims’ safe release and bring those responsible to justice.
“Upon receiving the report, the command immediately commenced intensive efforts to secure the safe rescue of the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. A manhunt has been launched, and operational efforts are ongoing to ensure the victims’ safe return and bring those responsible to justice,” Ayanlade said.
The latest incident is the third reported kidnapping linked to CRIN in Ibadan in 2026.
On March 18, armed men abducted four cocoa farmers associated with the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, at the institute’s nursery site in Idi-Ayunre. Two victims were reportedly rescued within 24 hours, while the remaining two were later freed.
On May 19, two CRIN staff members were reportedly abducted after armed men invaded the institute’s premises in Idi-Ayunre. The police launched a rescue operation and arrested two suspects in connection with the incident. Reports subsequently indicated that the abducted staff members regained their freedom.
The police have urged anyone with credible information that could assist the ongoing operation to report to the nearest police station or contact the command through its established emergency channels.
The command said it remained committed to securing the victims’ safe return.
