Following the reported abduction of five members of Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Ogun State Chapter at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre on Wednesday afternoon, the Oyo State Police Command has reported of successful ongoing rescue operations.

This was contained in a statement made available to the public in Ibadan by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Okayinka in which he disclosed that the abductees were at the CRIN nursery site to submit their annual collections of cocoa seedlings for the 2026 planting season when they were waylaid by unidentified gunmen.

According to the statement “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 mobilized to the scene and engaged the assailants in a coordinated pursuit.

“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.

“Intensive efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim(s), as security operatives have commenced aggressive bush combing operations and sustained pursuit of the fleeing criminals.

“The Command assures the public that it remains fully committed to safeguarding lives and property across the State. Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing operations”, the statement added.