How we rescued Adelabu’s sister, twin sons -Police

Arrest four suspects linked to ex-Power minister sister’s abduction

.Adelabu family thanks security agencies

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the successful rescue of Mrs Busayo Adelabu-John Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Abuja, DCP Anthony Placid, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

Placid said that the hostages were rescued during a coordinated operation by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan at approximately 7.30 p.m. on Saturday.

He added that the rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations.

These efforts, he said, enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.

“During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded and two rifles were recovered.

“The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support, “he said.

Placid said that the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Tunji Disu,  commended the courage, professionalism, and effectiveness of the FID-IRT operatives and all officers involved.

According to him, their resilience and commitment were instrumental in the safe rescue of the hostages.

“Security operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate.

“Preliminary intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries.

“Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice. The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the public’s support, cooperation, and patience during the operation.

“We remain committed to combating violent crime, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Command, on Sunday, confirmed the arrest of four suspects as well as the killing of two others during a rescue operation involving the sister of the 2027 governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Bayo Adelabu, Busola, and her two children in Ibadan.

Also, firearms, including a pump-action gun, were recovered during the Saturday night operation, which lasted for several hours at the Ayegun area of Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.

The abductees were smoked out of a three-bedroom bungalow where they were hibernating.

Conducting journalists round the place in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday, the state Commissioner of Police, Oluwagbemiga Abimbola, said, “The police acted on a tip-off, which eventually resulted in the rescuing of the victims.”

It was further gathered that there was a shootout during the operation in which two of the suspects were killed in a midnight raid.

Aside from the four suspects that were arrested, other suspects escaped with bullet wounds.

In a related development, the family of a former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has thanked security agencies for the rescue of Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons from the hands of their abductors.

The family also expressed gratitude to the public for their support during the ordeal.

The former minister’s mother, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adelabu said she was filled with thankfulness for the release of her daughter and grandsons alive.

She noted that her prayers are also with the victims of Oriire abductions, hoping for their safe return to their families.

Mrs. Adelabu made the call while speaking with journalists at her residence in the Challenge area of Ibadan following the rescue of her daughter and grandchildren by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Saturday night.

She said the incident left her devastated when she first heard the news of the abduction, as no one was certain of the outcome of such a dastardly act.

The minister’s mother, however, expressed relief that her daughter and grandchildren have been reunited with the family safely after their rescue.

She revealed that a day before her daughter’s abduction, she had offered prayers for the safe return of the Oriire kidnapping victims, unaware that her own daughter and grandchildren would become victims of a similar ordeal the following day.

While further appreciating the efforts of security agencies, government officials, and well-meaning Nigerians who supported the rescue process, she prayed for the safe release of all those still in captivity and expressed hope for lasting peace and security across the country.

Recall that Mrs Adelabu John-Paul, a younger sister to the immediate past Minister of Power, and her twin sons were kidnapped in the early hours of June 3 in Ibadan while conveying the children to school.

Armed gunmen intercepted her at Elewura area of Challenge in Ibadan and forcefully took her away with the twins.

The abduction sent shockwaves through the family and the wider political community in Oyo State, given Chief Adelabu’s prominence as a former minister and APC governorship hopeful.