**Breaking: Police Rescue Kidnapped Cocoa Farmers, Arrest Suspects in Oyo State** In a swift operation, the Oyo State Police Command has rescued two kidnapped cocoa farmers and arrested three suspects in Ibadan, the state capital. The incident occurred at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), a facility dedicated to the development of high-quality cocoa seedlings for farmers. On March 18, 2026, representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria from Ogun State were at CRIN to submit their annual cocoa seedlings for the planting season. However, they were ambushed by armed men who took them hostage. The police received a distress call and quickly mobilized a joint security team comprising the Police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilante groups, and Amotekun Corps to the scene. The team engaged the kidnappers in a pursuit and successfully rescued two of the victims. According to the police, three suspects were arrested and are currently in custody. The authorities are working tirelessly to rescue the remaining victim(s) and have launched an aggressive bush combing operation to track down the fleeing kidnappers. The Oyo State Police Command has assured residents that it remains committed to maintaining peace and security across the state. The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing information that can aid ongoing operations. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community policing and the need for residents to work with security agencies to prevent and respond to crimes. The successful rescue of the kidnapped cocoa farmers is a testament to the effectiveness of the joint security team and the dedication of the Oyo State Police Command to protecting lives and property. The CRIN facility, located in Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, is a hub for cocoa research and development in Nigeria. The kidnapping incident has raised concerns about the security of farmers and researchers working in the facility. The Oyo State Police Command has promised to increase security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.