KEY POINTS
- Oyo police dismissed viral reports of mass abductions in Ibadan, confirming only the kidnapping of two CRIN officials.
- Security operatives launched rescue operations and arrested two suspects linked to the kidnapping syndicate.
- Police warned media outlets and social media users against spreading unverified security information capable of causing panic.
The Oyo State Police Command has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging a mass abduction incident in Abanla community and other parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
In an official statement issued by the police spokesperson, Olushola Ayanlade, the command described the reports as false, misleading, and capable of causing unnecessary panic among residents. According to the police, no mass kidnapping incident was reported anywhere within Ibadan or surrounding communities apart from the confirmed abduction of two staff members of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria.
The command expressed concern over the increasing spread of unverified security information online, warning that such reports could undermine public confidence in ongoing security operations while also distracting emergency response teams from genuine threats.
While dismissing claims of mass abduction, the police confirmed that two officials of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria were kidnapped during an attack carried out by armed men in the Ibadan area.
According to the statement, the incident was reported to the Idi-Ayunre divisional police headquarters around 6 p.m. on Tuesday by the institute’s chief security officer. Preliminary investigations revealed that approximately six armed men invaded the area and forcefully abducted the victims before taking them to an unknown destination.
The incident has heightened concerns over insecurity in parts of Oyo State, particularly following recent reports of attacks and kidnappings in several communities across the state.
Police launch tactical operation and arrest two suspects
Following the abduction, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Olugbemiga, reportedly ordered the immediate deployment of tactical and intelligence units, including operatives from the anti-kidnapping squad, to begin rescue operations and track down those responsible.
The police said coordinated search operations and extensive bush-combing exercises were launched across surrounding forest areas believed to be linked to the kidnappers.
During one of the operations carried out on May 20, police operatives reportedly intercepted two suspicious individuals identified as Shehu and Abubakar. Authorities said the suspects were apprehended and later provided useful information during preliminary interrogation.
According to the police, the two arrested suspects volunteered to lead operatives to the hideout of other members of the kidnapping syndicate. However, while approaching the suspected location, the security team reportedly came under heavy gunfire from armed men believed to be part of the gang.
The operatives were said to have responded professionally by repelling the attack and successfully extracting the two suspects from the scene. The police added that the suspects are currently in the custody of the anti-kidnapping squad, where further investigations and intelligence-gathering efforts are ongoing.
Authorities did not confirm whether the kidnapped victims had been rescued as of the time the statement was released, but assured residents that efforts were continuing to secure their safe release.
The police command also used the opportunity to caution media organisations, bloggers, and social media users against circulating unverified reports relating to security matters.
According to the command, sensational and inaccurate reporting has the potential to create fear, destabilise communities, and interfere with ongoing security operations. The authorities urged journalists and online influencers to confirm information through official channels before publication.
The incident once again highlights growing security concerns in parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom and attacks by armed groups continue to pose significant challenges for law enforcement agencies and local communities.
