Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power and Oyo APC governorship aspirant, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.
The victims were freed alive during a late-night security operation on Saturday, June 6, 2026, three days after they were abducted while travelling to school in Ibadan.
Security sources said the rescue operation culminated in a fierce gun battle between police operatives and the suspected kidnappers.
During the exchange of fire, two suspected kidnappers were killed, while security personnel recovered two firearms from the gang.
The successful operation was reportedly made possible through sustained intelligence gathering, tracking of the suspects’ movements, and coordinated tactical actions by security agencies.
According to police sources, increasing pressure from security operatives forced the kidnappers into a confrontation, creating an opportunity for the victims to be rescued unharmed.
Authorities have 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 ends days of anxiety following the abduction of Mrs. John-Paul and her sons on June 3 while she was driving them to school in Ibadan. Witnesses had described the kidnapping as a coordinated attack carried out by armed men.
The Adelabu family had earlier confirmed the incident and expressed confidence in security agencies’ efforts. Mrs. John-Paul, a former employee of the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian, had retired last year and relocated to Ibadan with her children while preparing to join her husband in the United States.
