Fresh facts have emerged from the Nigeria Police Force regarding the successful operation that led to the rescue of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu’s relatives, three days after their abduction in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin boys, Peter and Paul, were freed without injury.
The strategic breakthrough was executed by operatives from the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).
The victims were initially taken by gunmen on June 3 while Mrs. Adegoke was conveying her sons to school within the Ibadan metropolis.
The police noted that the rescue took place around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, capping off days of intense surveillance, tracking, and tactical planning.
“The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives,” the statement said.
During the heavy shootout, two of the suspected kidnappers suffered fatal bullet wounds, and operational team members recovered two rifles from the scene.
The police confirmed the family is safe and unharmed but has been placed under medical observation and support care.
Meanwhile, a manhunt is still underway to capture the remaining members of the criminal gang who fled the scene.
“Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice,” the statement added.
Reacting to the development, the Inspector-General of Police praised the operational team for their bravery and high level of professionalism, noting that their dedication was key to bringing the victims back alive.
The incident has drawn massive public interest across Nigeria due to the victims’ ties to Adelabu, who is a former minister and a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Oyo State.
The mother and her twins had been missing since Wednesday morning before the federal security operatives successfully closed in on the kidnappers’ trail.
Concluding the briefing, the police authorities expressed gratitude to members of the public for providing useful cooperation and restated their determination to wipe out kidnapping and violent crimes nationwide.
BELOW IS THE FULL STATEMENT BY THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE.
PRESS RELEASE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE CONFIRMS SAFE RESCUE OF ABDUCTED WOMAN AND HER TWIN SONS
The Nigeria Police Force announces the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The hostages were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Mrs. Adegoke and her children were abducted while she was driving them to school at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026. The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.
During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support.
The Inspector-General of Police commends the courage, professionalism, and effectiveness of the FID-IRT operatives and all officers involved. Their resilience and commitment were instrumental in the safe rescue of the hostages.
Security operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate. Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice.
The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the public’s support, cooperation, and patience during the operation. We remain committed to combating violent crime, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc (+), mnipr, mni Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja 6th June,2026
