PRESS RELEASE
RE: KIDNAPPING OF TWO STAFF OF COCOA RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF NIGERIA (CRIN) AND DISCLAIMER ON FALSE REPORTS OF MASS ABDUCTION
The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that on 19th May, 2026 at about 1800hrs, a distress report was received at Idi-Ayunre Divisional Police Headquarters from the Chief Security Officer of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), reporting the abduction of two staff members of the institution by unidentified armed men who reportedly invaded the premises of the institute and whisked the victims away to an unknown destination.
Upon receipt of the report, Police operatives immediately visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment, during which preliminary findings revealed that about six armed men invaded the area before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination. In view of the gravity of the incident and the need for swift intervention, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, psc, mnips, directed the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence assets, including operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and apprehension of the perpetrators.
Consequently, intensive bush combing and coordinated search operations commenced across the surrounding forested locations linked to the incident. It was during one of such operations on 20th May, 2026 at about 0810hrs that Police operatives encountered and accosted two suspicious individuals identified as Shehu and Abubakar. Upon preliminary interrogation, the duo volunteered to lead the operatives to the hideout of their accomplices. However, while approaching the suspected location, the team came under gunfire attack from armed men believed to be members of the kidnapping syndicate. The operatives responded professionally, repelled the attack and successfully extracted the two suspects, who are currently in custody of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for further investigation and intelligence exploitation.
While these operations are ongoing and yielding actionable leads, the Command has observed with serious concern the circulation of false and misleading reports by certain media outlets and social media platforms alleging another mass abduction in Abanla community and other parts of Ibadan. For the avoidance of doubt, the Oyo State Police Command categorically states that no such incident has been reported anywhere within Ibadan metropolis or its environs apart from the already reported CRIN incident presently receiving robust operational attention.
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. Beyond this, the spread of false information has the tendency to undermine public confidence in ongoing security efforts while equally diverting limited operational and emergency response resources away from genuine security concerns requiring immediate attention.
It is against this backdrop that the Command strongly advises media organizations, bloggers and social media influencers to uphold the principles of responsible reportage by verifying security-related information through appropriate channels before publication. The Police remains committed to maintaining a productive relationship with the media; however, such partnership must be guided by accuracy, professionalism and the collective interest of public safety and national security.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command reassures residents that robust security measures have been emplaced across the affected axis and other strategic locations within the State to deny criminal elements any operational foothold. Members of the public are therefore encouraged to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding while continuing to support the Police and other security agencies with timely and credible information capable of aiding ongoing operations.
WACCI’s Founding Director, Prof. Eric Yirenkyi Danquah, will be speaking at the World Agriculture Forum’s upcoming webinar on Capacity Development and On-Farm Testing Contributions to Plant Breeding.
#WACCI#WorldAgricultureForum
Following the symbolic flag off of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise along the Mushin Agege Motor Road corridor on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, I wish to provide further clarity on the modalities of the programme as we prepare for the first exercise on Saturday, April 25th, 2026.
The exercise will hold every last Saturday of the month between the hours of 6:30 am and 8:30 am. During this period, there will be controlled movement across the state to allow residents carry out thorough cleaning of their homes, surroundings and drainage frontages.
Our enforcement officers from the ministry, LASEPA, KAI, LAWMA, and local government sanitation inspectors will conduct physical inspections during and after the sanitation window to ensure compliance. Defaulters will be sanctioned in accordance with the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
LAWMA intervention trucks will go around to cart away bagged wastes generated during the exercise. I also wish to announce that there will be rewards for the cleanest Local Government Area, Local Council Development Area, and the cleanest street as part of efforts to encourage healthy competition and community participation.
We urge all residents to take ownership of this exercise and join hands with the government in building a cleaner, safer and more sustainable Lagos.
#AGreaterLagosRising
Whiteflies spread devastating #tomato viruses—causing major yield losses worldwide. After 10+ years of research, #WorldVeg has developed tomato lines resistant to BOTH the virus and the insect.
🍅 More #resilient
🌱 Less pesticide use
📈 Better yields
#PlantBreeding
Africa must create 20–25M jobs every year.
Manufacturing alone won’t deliver this.
👉 Agro-industry, services & “industries without smokestacks” are key according to @bsangafowacoul of @brookingsInst
The opportunity is clear.
The urgency is even clearer.
#Africa #JobCreation #FoodSystems #DGsTalk #MondayMotivation
Final day at the National Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties, Livestock Breeds and Fisheries, as deliberations conclude at the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Ibadan. 🤝🌱
#
Happening now: The National Center for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology begins its Technical Sub-Committee Meeting on Crop Variety Release in Ibadan.
Strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural future. 🌾
#NACGRAB#FoodSecurity#Agriculture
A wise woman once told me what she learnt from her 50 years old relationship.
Every young couple should know these:;:;
1. You marry a sinner. And so did they.
AFCON 2025 Round Up Stats📌
With 121 goals scored in the just concluded tournament, it became the highest goal scoring edition.
Senegal 🇸🇳 won Gold to make it 2 stars for them against host Nation Morocco.
Nigeria 🇳🇬 finished as the highest goal scoring side with 14 goals amongst many other notable facts.
#AdemolaVictorAtAfcon2025
🇳🇬 Powered by @MrChefNigeria proud sponsors of the Super Eagles 🇳🇬
After @NwabaliBobo saved Marmoush's penalty kick, I need to confirm if he wasn't singing @gaisebaba "No no" 🎶 🎶 in his head
😃
Congratulations #SuperEagles
Congratulations 🇳🇬
#AFCON2025