Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her two children following a late-night security operation in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The victims, identified as Olaide John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were freed unharmed during the operation carried out on Saturday.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that two suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with security operatives, while two others were arrested.
John-Paul and her children were abducted on June 3, 2026, while travelling to school in Ibadan. The kidnappers reportedly trailed the family from their residence before intercepting their vehicle and taking them away.
A security source who spoke on the rescue effort said the victims had been held captive in the Oleyo area of Ibadan.
“The victims were rescued in Ibadan. The kidnappers kept them at Oleyo and left some members of the gang to guard them while others lodged in a hotel. Police operatives tracked the vehicle used in the abduction, leading to the operation. Two suspects were neutralised, while two others were arrested,” the source said.
Confirming the development, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, quoted the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, as saying that the victims had been rescued safely.
“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 expressed gratitude to the police, other security agencies, media organisations, political associates and concerned stakeholders for their support and efforts throughout the period of the victims’ captivity.
“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 added.
The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, also confirmed the rescue, noting that additional details of the operation would be released in due course.
