Three days after their abduction on the way to school in Ibadan, the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons have been rescued alive by police operatives following an intelligence-led operation that ended in a deadly confrontation with suspected kidnappers.
By Aderonke Unigbe / June 7, 2026
IBADAN, OYO STATE – The Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power and prominent Oyo State politician, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, following a high-risk rescue operation that culminated in a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers.
The victims were reportedly rescued unharmed on Saturday evening after spending three days in captivity, bringing relief to family members, residents, and security agencies that had been working around the clock to secure their freedom.
The operation, according to security sources, resulted in the death of two suspected kidnappers and the recovery of firearms believed to have been used by the criminal gang.
Intelligence-Led Operation Ends Days of Captivity
Sources familiar with the operation disclosed that the rescue was the outcome of sustained intelligence gathering, electronic tracking, and coordinated tactical deployments by police operatives and other security personnel.
The breakthrough reportedly came after investigators successfully mapped the movements of the kidnappers and narrowed down their suspected hideout.
Under increasing pressure from security forces, the kidnappers allegedly attempted to evade arrest, leading to a gunfight with operatives.
During the exchange of fire, two members of the gang were neutralized while the victims were safely extracted from captivity.
Authorities confirmed that Mrs. John-Paul and her children did not sustain injuries during the operation.
Security officials described the rescue as a significant success in the ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crimes across the country.
How the Abduction Occurred
The incident that triggered widespread concern occurred on the morning of June 3, 2026.
Mrs. John-Paul, 43, was reportedly driving her twin sons to school in Ibadan when armed men intercepted their vehicle and forcibly whisked them away.
Witnesses described the attack as swift and highly coordinated.
Residents who arrived at the scene shortly after the abduction found a red Toyota Camry abandoned with its doors left open, creating panic among onlookers and raising fears about the safety of the victims.
The brazen nature of the kidnapping quickly attracted national attention because of the victims’ connection to Chief Adelabu, a leading figure in Oyo State politics and a former federal minister.
Family Confirmed Kidnapping Amid Growing Anxiety
Following the incident, the Adelabu family publicly confirmed the abduction through a statement issued by Chief Adelabu’s media aide, Comrade Femi Awogboro.
The statement described the development as tragic and deeply distressing, while assuring the public that security agencies had immediately launched efforts to locate the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
For three days, family members, associates, and well-wishers reportedly lived in uncertainty as security forces intensified search and rescue efforts.
Saturday’s successful operation has now brought an end to the tense wait.
Manhunt Launched for Escaping Gang Members
Although the rescue mission achieved its primary objective, security sources revealed that several members of the kidnapping syndicate managed to flee during the gun battle.
Investigators believe some of the escaping suspects may have sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to evade arrest.
Security agencies have since launched a comprehensive manhunt aimed at dismantling the remaining network and apprehending all individuals connected to the abduction.
Officials say intelligence gathering is continuing and further arrests are expected in the coming days.
Profile of the Victim
Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul is the youngest among the five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
Before her retirement, she built a career in Nigeria’s financial sector, having worked with the Central Bank of Nigeria and later with First Bank Pension Custodian.
Family sources indicated that she voluntarily retired last year and relocated to Ibadan with her children.
She was reportedly making arrangements to join her husband, Mr. John Paul, who had earlier relocated to the United States, before the kidnapping disrupted the family’s plans.
Renewed Concerns Over Kidnapping in Nigeria
The abduction and subsequent rescue have once again highlighted the persistent security challenges facing many parts of Nigeria, particularly the rising incidence of kidnapping for ransom.
Security experts note that while recent rescue operations demonstrate improved tactical capabilities among law enforcement agencies, the continued occurrence of such incidents underscores the need for stronger intelligence networks, enhanced surveillance systems, and sustained collaboration between communities and security agencies.
The latest case has reignited public debate about citizen safety, especially in urban centres once considered relatively secure.
Conclusion
The successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons represents a major victory for security agencies and a moment of relief for the Adelabu family.
However, with several suspects still on the run, authorities face the critical task of ensuring that every member of the kidnapping syndicate is apprehended and prosecuted.
As investigations continue, the operation serves as both a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing and a reminder of the urgent need to tackle the growing threat of kidnapping across Nigeria.
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