How police rescued Adelabu’s sister, twin sons in Oyo kidnap operation

The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed how operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) rescued the sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons from kidnappers in Oyo State.

The victims, identified as Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, were freed during a police operation carried out on June 6, 2026.

According to police sources, the rescue followed intelligence gathering and surveillance that led operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout within 72 hours of the abduction.

The operation was conducted by the elite Intelligence Response Team under the supervision of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), which recently enhanced its use of digital tracking and intelligence tools in crime-fighting operations.

Police said officers moved in on the hideout during a late-night raid and engaged the suspects in a gun battle after the kidnappers allegedly attempted to resist arrest.

During the exchange of fire, two suspected kidnappers were killed, while several firearms were recovered from the scene. No casualties were recorded among the victims or police personnel.

The rescued victims were subsequently evacuated from the area and reunited with their family members.

The operation comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes through intelligence-led policing and improved inter-state security coordination.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has in recent months overseen reforms aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, enhancing operational efficiency and improving collaboration among police commands across the country.

Security analysts say the successful rescue operation highlights the growing role of technology and intelligence in tackling organised criminal networks, particularly kidnapping syndicates that operate across state boundaries.

Police authorities reiterated their commitment to sustaining operations against criminal groups and strengthening security across the country.