Security operatives have secured the release of the remaining two cocoa farmers abducted during a visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Earlier, the police had rescued two of the four victims and arrested three suspected kidnappers within 24 hours of the incident.
Sources indicated that the abductors initially demanded a ransom of N100 million.
Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Akeem Olatunji, reportedly confirmed that all the victims have now regained their freedom.
He said the rescue was achieved through a joint operation involving the police, the Directorate of State Services (DSS), the Western Security Network, code-named Amotekun, and local vigilantes in Oluyole.
According to him, the operation was coordinated by the Oyo State Security Adviser, Fatai Owoseni.
Olatunji commended the security agencies for their coordinated response and assured residents of continued collaboration to enhance safety in the area.
The victims who are members of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, were at CRIN on a familiarisation tour when they were abducted.
They had visited the institute’s nursery site to submit cocoa seedlings for the 2026 planting season before being attacked by armed men.
Reacting to the development, the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), in a statement by its National President, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, confirmed the payment of an undisclosed amount as ransom before the release of the victims.