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 rescue operation, which took place on Saturday evening, ended with the victims regaining their freedom unharmed, while two suspected kidnappers were reportedly killed during a gun battle with security operatives.
Police sources said the operation was carried out at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, following days of intelligence gathering and efforts to track the kidnappers.
Mrs. John-Paul is the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu. Her abduction earlier in the week had generated concern among family members, residents and security authorities.
According to information obtained from police sources, security operatives located the kidnappers after sustained intelligence tracking and surveillance operations.
The source disclosed that pressure mounted by security personnel eventually forced the suspects into a confrontation with police officers.
During the operation, a gun duel reportedly broke out between the kidnappers and police operatives.
Two members of the kidnapping gang were said to have been neutralised during the exchange of fire, while two firearms were recovered from the suspects.
The victims were rescued alive and safely evacuated from the area.
Police sources said efforts were continuing to track down other members of the gang who escaped during the operation.
According to the source, some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot wounds while escaping.
Security personnel have reportedly intensified search operations in nearby communities and forests to ensure that the remaining members of the syndicate are apprehended.
The rescue brings an end to several days of uncertainty after the victims were kidnapped while carrying out a routine family activity.
Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons were abducted on the morning of June 3, 2026, while travelling to school in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
According to reports, the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. as she was taking the children to school.
The attack shocked residents and immediately attracted public attention because of the family’s connection to a prominent political figure.
Shortly after the incident, Adelabu’s media aide, Femi Awogboro, confirmed the abduction in a statement issued on behalf of the family.
The statement described the incident as distressing and appealed to Nigerians to remain calm while security agencies worked toward securing the release of the victims.
“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 statement said.
The successful rescue has now brought relief to family members, friends and supporters who had anxiously awaited positive news.
Mrs. John-Paul is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu.
Family sources said she had retired voluntarily from her position at First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan with her children.
Her abduction once again highlights growing concerns over insecurity and kidnapping in parts of the country.
Kidnapping for ransom has become one of Nigeria’s most serious security challenges in recent years.
Criminal gangs have increasingly targeted travellers, business people, students, traditional rulers and public officials across different parts of the country.
Although security agencies have recorded successes in rescuing victims and dismantling criminal networks, incidents of abduction continue to generate fear among citizens.
The latest case is particularly significant because it occurred only weeks after another major kidnapping incident in Oyo State.
Recently, more than 40 students and teachers were reportedly abducted in Orire Local Government Area of the state, triggering widespread outrage and protests.
The incident led to renewed calls for stronger security measures to protect schools, highways and rural communities.
Residents and civil society groups have repeatedly urged authorities to strengthen intelligence gathering and increase security patrols across vulnerable areas.
Security experts have also called for greater collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The rescue of Mrs. John-Paul and her children is likely to boost public confidence in the ability of security agencies to respond effectively to kidnapping incidents.
Observers note that intelligence-led operations have become increasingly important in efforts to rescue victims without causing harm to them.
The Nigeria Police Force has in recent years intensified the use of technology, surveillance and intelligence gathering to track criminal groups involved in kidnapping and related crimes.
While celebrating the successful operation, security analysts have stressed the need for continued efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and prevent future attacks.
For the family of the victims, however, the immediate concern has been resolved with their safe return.
The rescue marks a happy ending to what began as a frightening ordeal for Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons.
As police continue the search for the remaining suspects, many Nigerians will be hoping that similar operations lead to the rescue of other victims still being held by kidnappers across the country.
The development also serves as a reminder of the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria and the importance of sustained efforts by security agencies to protect lives and property.
For now, relief and gratitude have replaced fear and uncertainty as the former minister’s sister and her children reunite with their family after days in captivity.