Two cocoa farmers abducted at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, have regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation by security agencies.
This intervention has brought relief to families and stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
The rescue of these farmers marked the final phase of an operation that began shortly after their abduction, during which two of the four victims were rescued earlier and three suspected kidnappers were apprehended within 24 hours of the incident.
The Guardian gathered that the abductors had initially demanded a ransom of N100 million, raising fears over the safety of the victims and the growing threat to farmers and agricultural investments in the area.
However, a sustained and coordinated security response ultimately led to the safe rescue of the remaining captives.
Chairman of Oluyole Local Council, Akeem Olatunji, confirmed the development in a telephone interview, stating that the victims were freed through the joint efforts of multiple security outfits.
According to him, the operation involved the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, and local vigilante groups, all working in synergy to track and pressure the abductors.
“The remaining victims have been successfully released. The operation was a collaborative effort involving all relevant security agencies, and we are grateful for the outcome,” he said.
Olatunji added that the rescued farmers had since been handed over to the police for further debriefing and necessary procedures.
He said that the rescue mission was coordinated by the Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on security, Fatai Owoseni, whose oversight ensured effective collaboration among various security units.
The chairman of the council commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism, noting that their actions prevented what could have escalated into a prolonged hostage situation.
He also reassured residents of the council area of continued efforts to strengthen security through sustained collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community-based vigilante groups.
The abduction, which occurred during a visit by members of a cocoa farmers’ association to CRIN, sparked concerns about safety in agricultural hubs, particularly as the planting season approaches.
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