The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre, in the Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday after armed men invaded the institute and whisked the victims away to an unknown destination.

The police said preliminary investigations revealed that about six armed men carried out the operation before fleeing into nearby forest areas.

Following the report, tactical teams and intelligence operatives, including members of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, were deployed to begin rescue operations and track down the perpetrators.

During the operation on Wednesday morning, police operatives arrested two suspects identified as Shehu and Abubakar.

According to the command, the suspects volunteered to lead security operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout, but officers came under heavy gunfire from suspected gang members while approaching the location.

The police said the attack was successfully repelled and the two suspects were safely extracted. They are currently in custody for further investigation.

The command also dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging another mass abduction in the Abanla community and other parts of Ibadan, describing the claims as false and misleading.

Police authorities warned media organisations, bloggers, and social media users against spreading unverified security information, noting that such reports could create panic and undermine ongoing security operations.

The command assured residents that security has been strengthened across affected areas and urged the public to remain calm while supporting security agencies with credible information.