The Nigeria Police Force has rescued the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons following a three-day kidnapping ordeal in Oyo State.
The victims, identified as Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her sons, Peter and Paul, regained their freedom on Saturday after security operatives tracked their abductors and launched a coordinated rescue operation that ended in a fierce gun battle.
Police sources disclosed that two suspected kidnappers were killed during the exchange of gunfire, while firearms were recovered from the gang. The operation was carried out around 7:30 p.m., exactly three days after the victims were abducted while travelling to the children’s school in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The successful rescue was confirmed by Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, and the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to security sources, sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical pressure mounted on the kidnappers forced them into a confrontation with police operatives.
“The victims were rescued alive during the operation. Two suspected kidnappers were neutralised in a gun duel with police operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the gang,” a source said.
Investigators said the kidnappers abducted Mrs John-Paul and her twin sons on June 3 while she was taking the children to school in Ibadan.
Following the rescue, police operatives launched a manhunt for other members of the criminal syndicate believed to have escaped during the gun battle.
Authorities believe some of the fleeing suspects sustained gunshot wounds and may be seeking treatment in nearby communities.
The development comes amid heightened security concerns across Oyo State following recent kidnapping incidents in several communities.
The Oyo State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to dismantling kidnapping networks operating within the state and ensuring all those involved are brought to justice.
The rescue is expected to boost public confidence in intelligence-led policing efforts as authorities continue operations against criminal groups across Oyo and neighbouring states.
