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The younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons have regained their freedom after a coordinated rescue operation by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State.
The victims, Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were rescued alive on Saturday evening following a fierce confrontation between security operatives and their abductors.
Police sources disclosed that the operation, which was carried out at about 7:30 p.m. on June 6, resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected kidnappers during a gun duel. Two firearms were also recovered from the criminal gang.
Mrs. John-Paul and her children were kidnapped on June 3 while she was reportedly taking the boys to school in Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident sparked widespread concern among residents and drew national attention due to the family's connection to the former minister.
According to security sources, the successful rescue followed days of intelligence gathering, surveillance and sustained tactical pressure mounted on the kidnappers by security operatives.
The sources revealed that the pressure forced the criminals to abandon their hideout and engage operatives in a shootout, creating an opportunity for the victims to be rescued unharmed.
Investigators believe some members of the kidnapping syndicate escaped from the scene with gunshot wounds and are currently being tracked by security agencies.
A manhunt has since been launched across adjoining communities and forest areas to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the remaining network of the gang.
The abduction had thrown the Adelabu family into distress after news emerged that Mrs. John-Paul and her children were seized by gunmen while carrying out their routine morning activities.
Confirming the incident earlier, Adelabu's media aide, Femi Awogboro, described the development as painful and appealed to members of the public to remain calm while security agencies intensified efforts to secure the victims' release.
The family had expressed confidence in the capabilities of security agencies and urged Nigerians to support ongoing rescue efforts with prayers rather than speculation.
Amid growing concern over the incident, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde paid a visit to Chief Adelabu on Friday to express solidarity with the family and reassure them of the government's commitment to securing the victims' freedom.
The governor stated that security agencies had been fully mobilised and were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the abductees.
Makinde also disclosed that discussions were held on additional measures being implemented by his administration to strengthen the state's security architecture and curb rising criminal activities.
The rescue comes at a time when concerns over insecurity and kidnapping have continued to mount in Oyo State. The incident occurred only weeks after the abduction of more than 40 pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area, a development that triggered public outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures across the state.
