Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power and APC governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Adebayo Adelabu, along with her 12-year-old twin sons, following a security operation that resulted in a gun battle with suspected kidnappers.
Security sources said the victims were rescued unharmed at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, three days after they were abducted while travelling to school in Ibadan.
The rescue operation reportedly culminated in an exchange of gunfire between police operatives and members of the kidnapping gang.
Two suspected kidnappers were said to have been killed during the confrontation, while security personnel recovered two firearms from the scene.
According to sources familiar with the operation, the breakthrough was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance of the suspects’ movements and coordinated tactical efforts by security agencies.
The kidnappers were reportedly forced into a confrontation as pressure mounted from security operatives tracking their activities, leading to the successful rescue of the victims.
Authorities have since launched a manhunt for other members of the gang who escaped during the operation.
Some of the fleeing suspects are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.
The rescue ends several days of uncertainty following the abduction of Mrs. John-Paul and her twin sons on June 3. The victims were reportedly kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. while she was taking the children to school in Ibadan.
Witnesses had described the abduction as a well-coordinated operation carried out by armed men who intercepted the family and whisked them away.
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A vehicle believed to belong to the victims was later found abandoned at the scene, drawing the attention of shocked residents.
Following the incident, the Adelabu family confirmed the abduction and disclosed that security agencies had immediately begun efforts to secure the release of the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Mrs. John-Paul, a former employee of the Central Bank of Nigeria and First Bank Pension Custodian, retired voluntarily last year and relocated to Ibadan with her children.
According to family members, she was preparing to join her husband in the United States before the incident occurred.
Police authorities are yet to issue a detailed statement on the operation, but investigations are ongoing as security agencies intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects.