JUST IN: Two CRIN Officials Abducted as Oyo Police Debunk Mass Kidnapping Claims

The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed widespread reports claiming that multiple residents were abducted in Abanla community and other parts of Ibadan, clarifying that only two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) were kidnapped.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, police spokesperson Olushola Ayanlade described the viral reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing panic among residents.

According to the command, no mass abduction incident was recorded anywhere in Ibadan or surrounding communities apart from the reported kidnapping involving the CRIN workers.

“The Command views the dissemination of such unverified and sensational reports as highly irresponsible and capable of creating unnecessary fear, panic and tension among residents,” the statement said.

The police also warned bloggers, media outlets, and social media users against publishing unverified security reports, stressing that false information could undermine ongoing security operations and divert attention from genuine emergencies.

Two Suspects Arrested

Ayanlade disclosed that two suspects connected to the abduction had already been arrested by security operatives.

He explained that the police received a distress report at about 6 p.m. on Tuesday from the chief security officer of CRIN through the Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters.

Preliminary investigations revealed that about six armed men invaded the area and abducted two staff members of the institute before taking them to an unknown location.

Following the report, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbemiga, ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence teams, including operatives from the anti-kidnapping squad.

Security teams subsequently launched coordinated bush-combing and search operations across nearby forest areas believed to be linked to the kidnappers.

Police Operatives Repel Gunfire Attack

During one of the operations carried out on May 20, 2026, police operatives reportedly intercepted two suspicious individuals identified as Shehu and Abubakar.

According to the police statement, the suspects initially agreed to lead officers to the hideout of the kidnapping syndicate.

However, while approaching the location, armed men suspected to be members of the gang allegedly opened fire on the police team.

The operatives responded to the attack and successfully repelled the gunmen while safely extracting the two suspects from the scene.

The suspects are currently being held by the anti-kidnapping squad as investigations continue and efforts intensify to rescue the abducted victims.