A coordinated police operation in Ibadan has led to the rescue of the sister of a former power minister and her two children after a four-day kidnapping ordeal, authorities said on Saturday.
Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, 43, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted on June 3 while on their way to school in the Challenge area of the city. According to the Oyo State Police Command, the victims were freed unharmed after security operatives tracked the kidnappers to their hideout, triggering a gun battle that left two suspects dead.
Police officials said the breakthrough came through sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance. “Our tactical teams followed credible leads that narrowed down the suspects’ movement. When confronted, the kidnappers opened fire, and our officers responded accordingly,” a senior police source familiar with the operation said.
The rescue operation, which took place on Saturday evening, marks a rare success in a region increasingly troubled by kidnapping incidents targeting commuters, schoolchildren, and high-profile individuals.
Following the rescue, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde visited the residence of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to express solidarity with the family. Makinde commended the police for their swift response and reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state.
“This outcome shows what is possible when intelligence and decisive action come together,” the governor was quoted as saying during the visit. “However, we must remain vigilant and continue to support our security agencies.”
The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent threat of kidnapping in parts of southwestern Nigeria. Security analysts say criminal gangs have become more organized, often targeting vulnerable routes and exploiting gaps in local surveillance.
The rescue comes amid ongoing concern over a separate case involving 39 pupils who remain in captivity following a school raid in May. Authorities have not provided a timeline for their release, raising fears among parents and communities already on edge.
Residents in Ibadan’s Challenge area described the abduction as brazen, noting that the victims were taken in broad daylight. “It’s frightening because it happened in a busy part of town,” said a local trader. “People are now more cautious, especially with their children.”
Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping gang who fled during the exchange of gunfire. Investigations are also underway to determine whether the group is linked to other recent abductions in the state.
While the safe return of the victims has brought relief to the family, security experts warn that sustained investment in intelligence, community policing, and rapid response capabilities will be critical to curbing the broader wave of kidnappings across the region.