The Nigeria Police Force has rescued Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, following three days in captivity after they were abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Mrs John-Paul and her children regained their freedom on Saturday evening during a rescue operation conducted by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan.
Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Olushola, had earlier confirmed the development, stating that the victims had been rescued safely.
Providing details of the operation in a statement issued on Saturday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said the rescue followed sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical operations by security operatives.
Placid said the operation, which took place at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, led investigators to the location and movements of the kidnappers.
“The hostages were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan”, the police spokesman stated.
According to him, Mrs John-Paul and her twin sons were abducted around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, while she was driving the children to school in Ibadan.
He further disclosed that the intelligence-driven operation resulted in a confrontation between FID-IRT operatives and the suspected kidnappers.
“During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered”, Placid added.
The police spokesman added that the victims were rescued unharmed and have been placed in safe custody, where they are receiving medical attention and support.
Placid also disclosed that security operatives had intensified efforts to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate, noting that preliminary intelligence indicated some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries.
“Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice”, he said.
The Inspector-General of Police also commended the professionalism, courage and resilience of the operatives involved in the mission, saying their commitment was instrumental to the successful rescue of the victims.
Mrs John-Paul, 43, is the youngest of five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
The successful rescue comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping and violent crimes across parts of the country. It also comes as over 40 pupils and teachers from three schools in Ogbomosho, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, reportedly remain in captivity after being abducted on May 15.
