Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, following a late-night operation that led to a gun battle with suspected kidnappers.
According to security sources, the victims were rescued alive at about 7:30pm on Saturday, June 6, 2026, three days after they were abducted while travelling to school in Ibadan.
It was gathered that two suspected kidnappers were killed during an exchange of gunfire with police operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the gang.
The successful rescue reportedly followed sustained intelligence gathering, tracking of the kidnappers’ movements and coordinated tactical operations by security personnel.
Police sources disclosed that mounting pressure from operatives forced the kidnappers into a confrontation, ultimately leading to the rescue of the victims without harm.
Security operatives have since launched a manhunt for other members of the kidnapping syndicate who escaped during the operation. Some of the fleeing suspects are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
The rescue brings to an end days of anxiety following the abduction of Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons on the morning of June 3.
SaharaReporters had reported that the 43-year-old woman was kidnapped alongside her children at about 7:30 a.m. while on her way to drop them off at school in Ibadan.
Witnesses at the time described the operation as coordinated, with armed men intercepting the victims and whisking them away. A video obtained by SaharaReporters showed a red Toyota Camry abandoned at the scene with its doors left open, while residents gathered in shock following the incident.
The family of Chief Adelabu subsequently confirmed the abduction in a statement signed by his media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro.
The statement described the incident as unfortunate and disclosed that security agencies had immediately commenced efforts to secure the victims’ release and apprehend those responsible.
Mrs. John-Paul, the youngest of the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, previously worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian before voluntarily retiring last year.
According to the family, she relocated to Ibadan with her children after retirement and was preparing to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier moved to the United States.
(SaharaReporters)
