Joint security operatives have successfully freed the last two cocoa farmers who were kidnapped during a visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan.
Previously, law enforcement agents had rescued two of the four victims and apprehended three suspected kidnappers within 24 hours after the abduction. Sources revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million, according to TheNation.
The Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Akeem Olatunji, confirmed during a telephone interview that all the victims have now been released.
He said the rescue was achieved through a joint operation involving the police, the Directorate of State Services (DSS), the Western Security Network, code-named Amotekun, and local vigilantes in Oluyole.
According to him, the victims have been handed over to the police, while the operation was coordinated by the Oyo State Security Adviser, Fatai Owoseni.
Olatunji commended the security agencies for their coordinated response and assured residents of continued collaboration to enhance safety in the area.
The victims, members of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, were at CRIN on a familiarisation tour when they were abducted.
They had visited the institute’s nursery site to submit cocoa seedlings for the 2026 planting season before being attacked by armed men.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
