The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, days after they were abducted in Oyo State.
The victims were freed during a coordinated rescue operation carried out at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, bringing relief to family members and ending days of uncertainty surrounding their whereabouts.
Police sources disclosed that the operation led to a fierce exchange of gunfire between security operatives and the kidnappers.
During the confrontation, two suspected members of the gang were killed, while two firearms were recovered from the scene.
According to security officials, sustained intelligence gathering and tactical pressure mounted on the kidnappers played a crucial role in forcing the criminals into a confrontation that ultimately resulted in the victims’ rescue.
Mrs John-Paul, who is the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, was abducted alongside her twin sons at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026.
The trio was reportedly travelling to school in Ibadan when armed men intercepted them and whisked them away, sparking widespread concern among residents and political associates of the family.
Although the victims have been rescued safely, security agencies have intensified efforts to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate.
Police sources revealed that operatives are currently combing surrounding communities and forested areas for suspects who escaped during the gun battle.
Some of the fleeing gang members are believed to have sustained gunshot injuries while attempting to evade arrest.
Authorities expressed optimism that the remaining suspects would soon be tracked down and brought to justice.
Shortly after the abduction was confirmed, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, released a statement on behalf of the family, describing the incident as traumatic and deeply distressing.
According to the statement, Mrs John-Paul and her children were kidnapped while she was taking them to school, leaving relatives shocked and worried about their safety.
“We are deeply distressed by this unfortunate incident but remain hopeful that the victims will be rescued safely.
”We appeal to the public to remain calm, avoid speculation, and support ongoing efforts with prayers,” the family’s statement read in part.
Mrs John-Paul is the youngest among five children of Mrs Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
Reports indicated that she voluntarily retired from her position at First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children.
Before news of the rescue emerged, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had visited Chief Adelabu to sympathise with him and reassure the family that security agencies were actively pursuing the kidnappers.
Sharing details of the visit on his X account, the governor stated that discussions centred on both the rescue operation and broader efforts to strengthen security across the state.
“Yesterday, we visited my brother, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to commiserate with him over the kidnapping of his younger sister and her children.
“I assured him that the security agencies are working towards their safe return, and we discussed some of the measures our administration is putting in place to further strengthen our security architecture in Oyo State, ” he wrote.
The kidnapping and eventual rescue of the victims have once again drawn attention to growing security concerns in parts of Oyo State and across the country.
The incident occurred only weeks after the abduction of more than 40 students and teachers in Orire Local Government Area, an attack that triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures.
With the latest rescue operation ending successfully, security agencies say efforts will continue to dismantle kidnapping networks and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
