The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the abduction of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre, in Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified simply as Shehu and Abubakar, were apprehended during ongoing tactical operations launched by the Command following the abduction incident which occurred on Tuesday evening.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Wednesday.
According to him, the incident was reported at about 6:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026, after armed men reportedly invaded the premises of the institute and whisked away two staff members to an unknown destination.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that on May 19, 2026, at about 1800hrs, a distress report was received at the 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,” Ayanlade stated.
He explained that police operatives immediately responded to the distress call and carried out an on-the-spot assessment at the scene of the incident.
“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,” the police spokesperson said.
Ayanlade disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olugbemiga Abimbola, subsequently ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams and intelligence assets to facilitate the rescue of the abducted staff and arrest of the perpetrators.
“The Commissioner of Police 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 those responsible for the crime,” he stated.
The Command further revealed that intensive bush combing and coordinated search operations were launched across surrounding forest locations believed to be linked to the activities of the kidnappers.
“It was during one of such coordinated operations on May 20, 2026, at about 0810hrs, that police operatives encountered and accosted two suspicious individuals identified as Shehu and Abubakar,” Ayanlade disclosed.
According to him, preliminary interrogation of the suspects yielded useful information capable of aiding ongoing investigations and rescue efforts.
“Upon preliminary interrogation, the duo volunteered to lead the operatives to the hideout of their accomplices,” the statement added.
The police spokesperson assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims unhurt and dismantle the criminal network behind the attack.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support security agencies with credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
