IBADAN, NIGERIA — In a major breakthrough for security forces in Oyo State, the Nigeria Police Force has successfully rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul—the younger sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu—and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul.

The rescue operation, which took place around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, culminated in a fierce gun duel. According to police sources, two suspected kidnappers were neutralized during the shootout, and two firearms were recovered from the criminal gang. Operatives are currently combing the surrounding areas for fleeing syndicate members, several of whom are believed to have sustained gunshot wounds.

A High-Profile Ambush

Mrs. John-Paul and her sons were violently abducted at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, while she was driving the twins to school in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The family is well-known in the region; the victim is the youngest of five children of Mrs. Olufunmilayo Aduke Adegoke Adelabu, a former executive who retired from First Bank Pension Custodian in 2025 before relocating to Ibadan.

Following the abduction, the Adelabu family released a statement through media aide Femi Awogboro, expressing their deep distress and pleading for public prayers and calm while security agencies worked on the case.

Political Momentum and Broader Security Crisis

The high-profile kidnapping drew immediate political attention. On Friday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde personally visited Chief Adebayo Adelabu to commiserate with the family and promise decisive action.

"I assured him that the security agencies are working towards their safe return, and we discussed some of the measures our administration is putting in place to further strengthen our security architecture in Oyo State," Governor Makinde stated in a video update shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

The successful police operation comes at a time of heightened tension and national outrage over the deteriorating security situation in the region. Just weeks prior, over 40 students and teachers were abducted in a brutal raid in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State—a crisis that has sparked nationwide protests and intense scrutiny over regional security gaps.

While this weekend's rescue brings immense relief to the Adelabu family, security agencies remain under immense pressure to track down the syndicates responsible for the ongoing wave of targeting vulnerable residents and school children across the state.