A wave of relief has swept through Oyo State and beyond following the successful rescue of Mrs. Busayo Adelabu-John Paul and her 12 year old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted by gunmen earlier this week in Ibadan. The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the victims were rescued unharmed during a coordinated security operation carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).
The victims, who are relatives of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, were kidnapped on June 3 while Mrs. Adelabu-John Paul was taking her children to school in the Challenge area of Ibadan. The incident sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and attracted national attention due to the family’s prominence and the growing insecurity challenges facing parts of the country.
According to police authorities, the rescue operation was the result of intensive intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical tracking of the kidnappers’ movements. Security operatives eventually located the suspects and engaged them in a confrontation. During the operation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded, while two rifles were recovered. The victims were safely rescued and immediately placed under medical care and protective custody to ensure their well being after the traumatic experience. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, commended the officers involved in the operation, praising their professionalism, courage, and determination. He noted that the successful outcome reflected the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to combating violent crimes and protecting citizens across the country. Security agencies have also intensified efforts to track down other members of the kidnapping syndicate who reportedly fled during the operation, with intelligence suggesting that some escaped with gunshot wounds.
The rescue has been welcomed by the Adelabu family, which described the development as a testament to the power of cooperation among security agencies, government institutions, and ordinary citizens. In a statement released after the rescue, the family expressed gratitude to God, the police, the Department of State Services, government officials, and Nigerians who offered support and prayers during the period of captivity. They emphasized that insecurity remains a national challenge that requires collective action beyond political, ethnic, or religious divisions.
The abduction and subsequent rescue also reignited conversations about the security situation in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria. While many have celebrated the successful operation, concerns remain over numerous other kidnapping victims still being held captive across the country. The Adelabu family urged authorities to sustain efforts aimed at rescuing all victims of abduction and bringing perpetrators to justice.
The successful rescue marks a significant victory for security agencies and offers hope to families whose loved ones remain in captivity. It also highlights the importance of intelligence driven operations and inter agency collaboration in tackling the growing threat of kidnapping and violent crime in Nigeria.
