CRIN Staff Kidnapped: Police Launch Rescue Operation in Ibadan

Three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) have been kidnapped in Ibadan, Oyo State, while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises.

The Oyo State Police Command confirmed the CRIN staff kidnapping and said it had launched efforts to rescue the victims and arrest those responsible.

The institute’s farm is located within its premises in Ibadan. The three workers were reportedly inspecting crops when their abductors seized them.

Olayinka Ayanlade, the police command’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the incident in a statement. He said officers began investigations and rescue efforts after receiving the report. “The Oyo State Police Command confirms a kidnapping incident involving three staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), who were abducted while inspecting crops on a farm within the institute’s premises,” Ayanlade said.

He added that the command had started intensive efforts to secure the victims’ safe release and apprehend the suspects.

“Upon receiving the report, the command immediately commenced intensive efforts to secure the safe rescue of the victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” he said.

The police also urged members of the public with relevant information to assist the investigation and rescue operation.

However, the command has not provided further details about the identities of the victims or the circumstances surrounding the abduction.

The police have also not announced any arrests or disclosed whether the kidnappers have contacted the victims’ families or the institute.

The CRIN staff kidnapping comes as the police continue efforts to establish the circumstances of the incident and locate the abducted workers.

The command has asked anyone with useful information to contact the police to support efforts to rescue the victims.