The Nigeria Police Force has rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, during a night operation in Oyo State.
The victims were freed at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, during a rescue mission carried out by police operatives after sustained intelligence gathering and tactical operations.
A source within the Force disclosed that two suspected kidnappers were neutralised during a gun battle with the operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the gang.
According to the source, the rescue followed days of intensive tracking of the kidnappers, whose hideout was eventually located by security personnel.
“The victims were rescued during a coordinated operation. Two of the kidnappers were killed in an exchange of gunfire with police operatives, while two firearms were recovered. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who escaped,” the source said.
The source added that security operatives have intensified combing operations in surrounding communities and forests to track down fleeing members of the gang, some of whom are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
Mrs. Adegoke John-Paul, who is the younger sister of former Minister of Power and 2027 Oyo State governorship aspirant, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, was abducted alongside her twin sons on June 3, 2026.
The trio were reportedly seized by armed men around 7:30 a.m. while travelling to drop the children at school in the Challenge area of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Police sources disclosed that sustained intelligence tracking and tactical pressure forced the kidnappers into a confrontation with operatives, leading to the successful rescue of the victims.
The source disclosed that security operatives are still combing nearby areas for fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate, some of whom are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
Their abduction had sparked concern among residents and political associates of Adelabu, with family members anxiously awaiting their safe return.
Saturday’s rescue marks a major breakthrough in the police operation and offers relief to the family after several days in captivity.
The victims are expected to undergo medical evaluation and debriefing as investigations continue.
The rescue comes three days after gunmen kidnapped Mrs. Adegoke John-Paul and her twin sons while they were on their way to school in Ibadan, an incident that heightened concerns over kidnapping and insecurity in parts of Oyo State.
