The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, following an intense three-day kidnapping ordeal in Ibadan, Oyo State.The victims were rescued at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, during a coordinated operation by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).
Two suspected kidnappers were neutralized in a fierce gun duel with police operatives, and two firearms were recovered from the gang.Abduction DetailsMrs. Adegoke and her twin sons were abducted around 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, at the Elewura-Challenge area of Ibadan South West Local Government Area.
The gunmen reportedly trailed her vehicle from her home before intercepting it as she was driving the children to school. Witnesses stated that the assailants threatened to shoot her if she failed to surrender herself and her children.
At the time of the incident, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the abduction in a statement, noting that the family was “deeply distressed” but remained hopeful for their safe return.
The Rescue Operation
Police sources disclosed that sustained intelligence tracking and tactical pressure forced the kidnappers into a confrontation with operatives, ultimately leading to the successful rescue. The operation lasted approximately 84 hours from the time of the abduction.
Following the rescue, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, commended the FID-IRT operatives for their professionalism and persistence in securing the victims’ freedom.
Security operatives continue to comb nearby areas for fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate, some of whom are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
Official Reactions To Adelabu
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State visited Chief Adelabu following the abduction and assured him that security agencies were intensifying efforts to ensure the safe return of his sister and her children.
The governor shared a video of the visit on his X handle, stating: “I assured him that the security agencies are working towards their safe return, and we discussed some of the measures our administration is taking to strengthen our security architecture”.
Adelabu, who served as Minister of Power under former President Muhammadu Buhari and is a 2027 governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has yet to release an official statement following the rescue.
Ongoing Security Concerns
The abduction highlights ongoing security challenges in Oyo State, coming months after a chieftain of the APC in the state, Wale Oriade, was abducted in Ibadan in December 2025.
The incident has renewed calls for enhanced security measures across the state capital.As investigations continue, police have confirmed that all three victims were rescued unharmed and have been placed under medical care and psychological support. The case remains under investigation as authorities pursue the remaining fleeing suspects.