By The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the kidnapping incident at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, while also confirming the re-arrest of a suspected kidnapper who was previously released from police custody in Jobele.
AfrikTimes had earlier reported the abduction of cocoa farmers at the CRIN nursery site on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the victims, identified as representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, were at the facility to submit their annual cocoa seedlings for the 2026 planting season when they were attacked by unidentified armed men.
He said the incident was reported at about 12:23 p.m., prompting an immediate response from security operatives.
“Upon receipt of the distress report, a combined security team comprising the Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilante groups, and Amotekun Corps swiftly mobilised to the scene and engaged the assailants in a coordinated pursuit,” DSP Olayinka stated.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the operation led to the successful rescue of two male victims.
“This prompt and decisive response led to the successful rescue of two male victims. In the course of the operation, three suspects were arrested and are currently in police custody,” he added.
He further noted that security operatives have intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victim, with aggressive bush combing and sustained pursuit of fleeing members of the gang already underway.
The Command reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist ongoing operations.
Police Re-arrest Jobele Kidnap Suspect that was Released by Police Officers
In another development, the police has confirmed the re-arrest of a suspected kidnapper who had earlier been released from custody at the Jobele Division.
The unprofessional conduct by the police officers sparked massive protests in the community that halted movements of vehicles, leading to heavy gridlock, AfrikTimes reported.
DSP Olayinka said the suspect, identified as Ayomide Kareem, a 25-year-old resident of Osorun’s Compound in Oyo, was apprehended on March 17, 2026, at about 11:30 p.m.
He explained that the suspect was intercepted by operatives attached to the Ojongbodu Area Command during a routine stop-and-search operation at Irepo Junction.
“Upon interrogation, he was identified as the same suspect who had earlier escaped from police custody at Jobele Division on March 10, 2026, in connection with a case of suspected kidnapping,” he said.
The police noted that Kareem is currently in custody and assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries into the case.
Following the earlier escape, the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, ordered a comprehensive manhunt to ensure the suspect’s re-arrest.
The Command also disclosed that officers found culpable in the escape have been detained and are undergoing orderly room trial, while the Divisional Police Officer of the Jobele Division has been redeployed alongside other administrative measures.
The police reiterated their commitment to discipline and professionalism, assuring residents that all individuals involved in criminal activities would be brought to justice.
