The Nigeria Police Force has provided fresh details on the operation that led to the rescue of relatives of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, three days after they were abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Rescue Operation Details
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the police confirmed that Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were rescued unharmed during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT). The victims were abducted on 3 June while Mrs Adegoke was driving her children to school in Ibadan. The rescue occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, following days of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations.
“The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives,” the statement said.
Confrontation and Recovery
During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded, and two rifles were recovered from the suspects. The victims were rescued unharmed and have been placed in safe custody, receiving medical attention and other support services.
Ongoing Hunt for Fleeing Suspects
The police disclosed that efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate who escaped. “Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice,” the statement added.
The Inspector-General of Police commended the operatives for their courageous and professional actions, stating that their resilience and commitment were instrumental in securing the victims’ safe release.
Background of the Abduction
The abduction attracted widespread attention after it emerged that the victims were relatives of Mr Adelabu, a former Minister of Power and governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State. Mrs Adegoke and her twin sons were kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday while travelling to school in Ibadan. Their rescue came three days later, ending an operation that involved intelligence-led tracking by federal security operatives.
The police thanked the public for their cooperation and reiterated their commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.
