Terrorists Attack Cocoa Research Institute in Ibadan, Police Rescue Two Victims
Ibadan, Oyo State - In a brazen daylight attack, criminal gangs identified as terrorists targeted the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The assailants abducted four individuals from the institute's premises, sparking immediate security responses across Oyo State.
Police Response and Rescue Operations
According to official statements from the Oyo State Police Command, Commissioner of Police Femi Haruna swiftly mobilized security forces upon receiving the distress call. A combined team comprising police officers, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel, local vigilante groups, and Amotekun Corps converged on the scene to engage the attackers.
The coordinated security response proved effective, leading to the successful rescue of two male victims during intensive bush combing operations. Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka confirmed that three suspects have been apprehended and are currently in custody as investigations continue.
Details of the Attack and Victims
The police investigation revealed that the victims were representatives of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, who had visited the CRIN nursery site to submit their annual collections of cocoa seedlings for the 2026 planting season. The armed assailants struck while the farmers were conducting their legitimate agricultural activities.
Of the four abducted individuals, only one was female, while the two rescued victims are both male. Security forces continue aggressive pursuit operations to locate and rescue the remaining victim(s) who remain in captivity.
Security Situation and Public Assurance
The Oyo State Police Command has issued a public statement assuring residents of their commitment to maintaining security across the state. Authorities have urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, while encouraging cooperation with security agencies through the provision of credible information that could aid ongoing rescue operations.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in Nigeria, with President Bola Tinubu facing increasing pressure to address banditry and terrorism nationwide. The attack on a prominent agricultural research institution highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to security threats.
Broader Security Context
The terrorist attack on CRIN follows recent security challenges in Oyo State, including the killing of five National Park Service forest guard officers in Oloka Village by gunmen. Governor Seyi Makinde had previously described that incident as a devastating loss, with preliminary investigations suggesting it was a cross-border operation conducted by bandits.
Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security dynamics, with various regions experiencing different forms of criminal and terrorist activities. The successful rescue operation in Ibadan demonstrates improved coordination between state security forces and local security groups, though challenges persist in completely securing vulnerable areas.
Security analysts note that attacks on agricultural institutions like CRIN not only threaten human lives but also jeopardize food security and agricultural research critical to Nigeria's economy. The institute plays a vital role in cocoa research and development, making its protection essential for the nation's agricultural sector.
