The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of three people at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, saying efforts are underway to rescue the victims and arrest the perpetrators.
The victims were reportedly abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, October 9, 2026.
According to the Command, intensive operations began immediately after the incident was reported, with security operatives working to locate the victims and secure their safe release.
The police also announced a manhunt for the suspected kidnappers, promising to bring those responsible to justice.
The statement said the Command was deploying the necessary resources to resolve the situation and appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the ongoing operation.
Residents with useful information were urged to report to the nearest police station or contact the Command through its established emergency channels.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about security at CRIN, which has experienced previous abductions.
In May 2026, two staff members of the institute were abducted in a separate incident. The police later announced the arrest of two suspects in connection with that case.
Another abduction involving cocoa farmers visiting the institute’s nursery site was reported in March, when security operatives mounted a rescue operation and arrested suspects.
The latest incident has renewed attention on the safety of workers and other people within the institute’s premises.
While a report by Vanguard said the latest abduction involved two CRIN employees and another person living within the premises, the victims’ identities and employment status require further confirmation. The publication also reported a ransom demand, but the police statement reviewed did not mention the amount.
The Oyo State Police Command has assured the public that rescue efforts will continue until the victims are safely recovered and those responsible are apprehended.
