The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rescued former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu’s sister along with her twin sons.
It was gathered that police rescued Adelabu’s sister, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, and her 12-year-old sons, Peter and Paul during a late-night raid around 7:30 p.m on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The trio was abducted on June 3, 2026, around 7:30 a.m. while on their way to school in the Challenge area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Gunmen ambushed them in broad daylight, an incident that drew immediate national attention due to the family’s prominent ties.
In a statement issued by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the Force Public Relations Officer, operatives from the Oyo State Police Command, leveraging sustained intelligence and tactical pressure, stormed a kidnapper’s den on the evening of June 6, 2026.
The victims were freed unharmed during the late-night raid around 7:30 p.m. Two suspected kidnappers were neutralized in a gunfight, and two firearms were recovered from the scene.
Authorities confirmed the family is in safe custody receiving medical checks.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force announces the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The hostages were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Mrs. Adegoke and her children were abducted while she was driving them to school at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026.
“The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.
“During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support.
“The Inspector-General of Police commends the courage, professionalism, and effectiveness of the FID-IRT operatives and all officers involved. Their resilience and commitment were instrumental in the safe rescue of the hostages.
“Security operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate. Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the public’s support, cooperation, and patience during the operation. We remain committed to combating violent crime, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety of all citizens.”
Meanwhile, the rapid turnaround—just three days after the abduction—has been praised by some as a demonstration of effective policing, while others have questioned the disparity in response times.
While the high-profile rescue was executed efficiently, there has been limited visible progress on the abduction of about 39 students and 7 teachers from three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, 2026.
Victims remain in captivity for over three weeks, despite presidential directives and ongoing manhunts. Critics argue that this contrast exposes systemic issues in tackling banditry that affect ordinary citizens.
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