Oyo state Police command have rescued two of the four cocoa farmers abducted at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi Ayunre, in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Three suspected kidnappers have also been arrested in connection with the incident.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the development in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Ayanlade said the victims were abducted while submitting their annual collections of cocoa seedlings for the 2026 planting season.
He added that three suspects were arrested during a manhunt launched by operatives.
The statement read: “Information available to the Command indicates that representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, who were at the CRIN nursery site to submit their annual collections of cocoa seedlings for the 2026 planting season, were abducted by unidentified armed men.
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.
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.