During the rescue operation, two of the kidnappers were killed
KaNo —
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have successfully rescued the younger sister of Ex-Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her two children, following a late-night tactical operation in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The victims, identified as Olaide John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3, 2026, while on their way to school in Ibadan.
Their rescue, which took place on Saturday evening, has been described by authorities as a result of sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated security efforts.
According to sources familiar with the operation, the kidnappers had trailed the victims from their residence before intercepting them during the school run.
The incident sparked concern among residents and heightened fears over rising cases of abduction in parts of the country.
A credible security source, who spoke in a telephone interview with Punch,disclosed that the victims were held in the Oleyo area of Ibadan.
“The victims were rescued in Ibadan. The kidnappers kept them at Oleyo and left some of their men to monitor them while others went to a hotel,” the source said.
“The police tracked the vehicle used for the operation. During the rescue mission, two of the kidnappers were killed, and two others were arrested.”
In an official statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, confirmed the rescue and provided further details about the operation.
He explained that the mission was carried out at about 7:30 pm on Saturday by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).
“The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations,” Placid stated.
“These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT ooperatives”he said
He further noted that during the confrontation, the suspects attempted to engage the police team but were overpowered.
“Two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during the exchange, and two rifles were recovered from the scene. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, where they are receiving medical care and psychological support,” he added
The Inspector-General of Police commended the operatives involved in the mission, praising their professionalism, courage, and precision.
He noted that their resilience and commitment were instrumental in ensuring the safe rescue of the hostages without harm.
In a separate statement made available to journalists, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, quoted the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, as confirming the development. He reassured the public that the victims were in good health following their ordeal.
“The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State has confirmed that the abducted victims have been rescued and are safe, healthy, and unharmed,” the statement read.
Awogboro also conveyed the appreciation of the Adelabu family to all those who contributed to the successful operation.
“We express our sincere appreciation to the police and other security agencies, the media, political associates, and all stakeholders for their concern, support, and efforts during this period. Further details will be provided as they become available,” he said.
The incident and subsequent rescue have once again drawn attention to the persistent threat of kidnapping in Nigeria, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas.
Security analysts have repeatedly called for enhanced surveillance, community policing, and intelligence sharing to curb the menace.
The victims family and concerned citizens expressed their joy following news of the rescue, though many remain concerned about the circumstances that led to the abduction.
Some locals noted that the kidnappers appeared to have carried out careful surveillance before striking, highlighting the need for improved neighborhood security awareness.
“This kind of incident shows that criminals are studying their targets closely,” said a resident of the area. “We need to be more vigilant and report suspicious movements early.” a resident said
The police, in response, reiterated their commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country. Authorities urged citizens to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information.
The successful rescue operation underscores the growing reliance on intelligence-led policing in combating organized crime. By leveraging surveillance, tracking technologies, and coordinated field operations, law enforcement agencies are increasingly able to disrupt criminal networks and secure the release of victims.
However, experts warn that sustained efforts are required to address the root causes of kidnapping, including unemployment, poverty, and weak law enforcement structures in some regions.
The police have assured the public that those arrested in connection with the crime will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. The authorities are also working to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate who may still be at large.
Armed men had earlier stormed the Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on Friday, May 15, abducting staff, students and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.
By the weekend, the abductors had beheaded one of the kidnapped teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun.
On the same day, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked three schools, including Mussa Central Primary School, Government Day Junior Secondary School, and a SUBEB school, abducting between 42 and 50 schoolchildren from Mussa town in the Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
