Police Share New Details on Rescue of Ex-Minister's Family Members

The Nigeria Police Force on Saturday gave more information about the rescue of the family members of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. This happened three days after they were kidnapped in Ibadan, Oyo State.

In a statement from the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the police said Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were rescued safe during a joint operation by operatives from the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).

The victims are related to Mr. Adelabu. They were taken on June 3 while Mrs. Adegoke was driving her children to school in Ibadan.

The police reported that the rescue operation took place around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. This followed days of gathering intelligence, watching the area, and planning to track the kidnappers.

"The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts helped investigators follow the kidnappers’ movements, leading to a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives," the statement said.

According to the police, two suspected kidnappers were shot during the encounter. They also recovered two rifles from the suspects.

The police confirmed that the victims were rescued unharmed. They have been placed in a safe location where they are getting medical care and other necessary support.

The police added that they are working hard to catch other members of the kidnapping gang who ran away during the operation.

"Preliminary intelligence suggests that some suspects escaped with gunshot wounds. Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all those involved to justice," the statement noted.

The Inspector-General of Police praised the operatives who were involved in the rescue operation. He described their actions as brave and professional.

He said the officers’ determination and hard work were key to getting the victims back safely.

The kidnapping gained a lot of attention after it was revealed that the victims were related to Mr. Adelabu, a former Minister of Power and a governorship candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State.

Mrs. Adegoke and her twin sons were taken at about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday while on their way to school in Ibadan.

Their rescue came three days later, marking the end of an operation that involved federal security operatives tracking the kidnappers.

The police thanked the public for their help during the operation and promised to keep fighting against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country.