A woman and her 11-year-old twin sons who were abducted on their way to school in Ibadan have been rescued unharmed following a coordinated police operation that also led to the arrest of four suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate.

The victims, identified as Mrs Adegoke Olaide Busayo, 42, and her twin sons, Peter and Paul, were kidnapped on 3 June along Elewura Street, off Ring Road, Ibadan, according to the Oyo State Police Command.

Police said two suspected kidnappers were killed during a gun battle with operatives, while four others were arrested as part of ongoing investigations.

The operation was carried out by officers from the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), working alongside the Oyo State Police Command and other tactical units.

How the Kidnapping Happened

According to police, the victims were abducted by four armed men travelling in an unregistered ash-coloured vehicle while the mother was taking her children to school.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State ordered an immediate intelligence-led operation to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victims.

Investigators said early intelligence gathering led to the arrest of Wale Abolalewa, also known as “Oloro”, a suspect already on the police watchlist for alleged involvement in related criminal activities.

His arrest reportedly provided crucial information that helped investigators uncover the wider network behind the kidnapping.

Police later arrested another suspect, Dare Oyedele, popularly known as “Solution”, who was described as a key member of the gang.

Months of Surveillance

Investigators revealed that the gang had allegedly carried out extensive surveillance on the family before the abduction.

According to preliminary findings, the suspects had attempted to recruit an insider linked to the household in May 2026 to help monitor the family’s movements.

Police said digital evidence recovered during the investigation included photographs of the family’s vehicles, the children’s school environment, and details of their daily routines.

Authorities believe the information was used to carefully plan the kidnapping operation.

Dramatic Rescue Operation

Using intelligence gathered during the investigation, operatives traced the gang to a hideout in the Lado community area of Ayegun, Ibadan.

Police said tactical teams stormed the location on the evening of 6 June in an operation aimed at rescuing the victims alive.

According to the Command, a suspected gang member identified as “Kelechi”, who allegedly travelled from Lagos State and acted as a lookout, opened fire on approaching officers.

The ensuing gun battle resulted in the deaths of Kelechi and another unidentified suspect.

After securing the hideout, officers rescued Mrs Busayo and her two sons without injuries.

The family was placed under protective custody before being reunited with relatives.

Weapons, Vehicle Recovered

Police said several items believed to have been used by the syndicate were recovered during the operation.

Recovered exhibits include:

– Three pump-action guns

– Fourteen live cartridges

– An unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla allegedly used during the abduction

– Two face masks

– A battle axe

– A hammer

– Suspected hard drugs

– Charms allegedly used by the suspects

Two additional suspects identified as Semiu Ishola, 39, and Adeyemi Ayobami, 35, were also arrested.

Police alleged they helped facilitate the use of the hideout where the victims were held.

Why It Matters

Kidnapping remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing security challenges, affecting families, businesses and public confidence in safety across several states.

Security analysts say successful rescue operations without payment of ransom are significant because they demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and inter-agency cooperation.

The case also highlights growing concerns over the use of surveillance techniques by criminal groups to profile potential victims before carrying out attacks.

Police Appeal to the Public

The Oyo State Police Command said investigations are continuing and efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the gang who escaped during the operation.

Authorities urged hospitals, medical practitioners, traditional bone setters and members of the public to report anyone presenting suspicious gunshot wounds.

The Command also called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies.

In a statement issued during the briefing, police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged to continue pursuing criminal groups operating within the state.

What Happens Next?

Investigators are expected to continue tracking other suspected members of the syndicate believed to have fled with injuries.

The arrested suspects remain in custody and are assisting ongoing investigations that could lead to additional arrests and possible prosecution.

As security agencies intensify efforts against kidnapping networks, residents will be watching closely to see whether the operation marks a broader breakthrough in tackling organised crime in Oyo State.

Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the sister of former Nigerian Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and her 12-year-old twin sons have been rescued after spending three days in captivity following their abduction in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Nigeria Police Force confirmed that Mrs. Adegoke and her sons, Peter and Paul, were rescued unharmed during a coordinated operation by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) on Saturday evening.

The victims were abducted on June 3, 2026, while Mrs. Adegoke was reportedly driving her children to school in Ibadan, an incident that triggered concern among relatives, friends and residents across Oyo State.

Three Days of Anxiety

For family members, the abduction marked the beginning of an anxious wait for news of the mother and her children.

The disappearance of the trio drew widespread attention, particularly because of Mrs. Adegoke’s relationship to Adelabu, a prominent political figure in Oyo State and a former member of the Federal Executive Council.

As concern mounted, security agencies launched efforts to trace the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victims.

Intelligence-Led Rescue Operation

According to the police, the rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and tactical operations that enabled investigators to track the movements of the kidnappers.

The operation culminated in a confrontation between the suspected abductors and FID-IRT operatives in Ibadan at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Police said two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during the exchange, while two rifles were recovered from the scene.

“The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support,” the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, said in a statement issued from Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Relief for Family and Supporters

The successful rescue has brought relief to family members and supporters who had been hoping for the safe return of Mrs. Adegoke and her children.

While details of their ordeal in captivity have not been disclosed, authorities confirmed that all three victims were rescued without physical harm.

The police said they are currently receiving medical attention and psychological support following the traumatic experience.

Security experts note that kidnapping victims, especially children, often require emotional and medical care after such incidents, even when they are rescued unharmed.

Inspector-General Commends Operatives

The Inspector-General of Police praised officers involved in the operation, commending their professionalism, courage and determination.

According to the statement, the efforts of the FID-IRT and other security personnel were instrumental in ensuring the safe rescue of the victims.

The police chief also reiterated the Force’s commitment to combating violent crimes and protecting lives and property across the country.

Hunt for Remaining Suspects Continues

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate believed to have escaped during the operation.

Preliminary intelligence suggests that some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot wounds.

Security operatives have intensified surveillance and search operations in and around the area as investigators work to dismantle the network behind the abduction.

“Operations are ongoing to track, arrest and bring all involved to justice,” the police statement added.

Growing Concerns Over Kidnapping

The incident has once again highlighted concerns about kidnapping and violent crime in parts of Nigeria, where families, commuters and schoolchildren have increasingly become targets of criminal groups.

Security analysts say the successful rescue demonstrates the importance of intelligence-led policing but also underscores the need for continued efforts to prevent abductions before they occur.

They argue that stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies remains critical to identifying threats early and improving public safety.

A Family Reunited

For Mrs. Adegoke and her twin sons, the rescue marks the end of a frightening chapter that began during a routine journey to school.

After three days of uncertainty, the family can now begin the process of recovery and healing.

For many observers, the most important outcome is that a mother and her children have been reunited with their loved ones and given a second chance to return to normal life.

The Lagos State Police Command has intensified efforts to strengthen security across Nigeria’s commercial hub after convening a strategic meeting of senior officers and receiving 400 pieces of protective equipment from the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF).

The Commissioner of Police, , on Thursday met with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Police Mobile Force commanders and tactical unit leaders to review the state’s security situation and reinforce operational preparedness.

The meeting comes amid ongoing concerns about urban crime, public safety and the need for improved policing in Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous state.

Officers Urged to Adopt Proactive Policing

Addressing senior officers, CP Fatai stressed the importance of proactive policing, intelligence gathering and rapid responses to emerging security threats.

“He charged all Commanders to remain proactive, vigilant, and committed to their responsibilities,” the Lagos Police Command said in a statement.

The police chief also emphasised effective supervision of personnel and maintaining high professional standards across all operational units.

According to the command, officers were directed to ensure these standards are reflected at every level of policing, including among frontline personnel responsible for day-to-day security operations.

LSSTF Donates Protective Equipment

In a significant boost to police operational capacity, the (LSSTF) donated 200 bulletproof helmets and 200 bulletproof vests to the command.

The equipment was formally presented by , Executive Secretary of the LSSTF.

Dr Ogunsan reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting security agencies with resources needed to protect lives and property across the state.

Security analysts say protective equipment remains critical for officers operating in high-risk environments, particularly in major urban centres where law enforcement personnel face increasingly complex security challenges.

Why It Matters

Lagos serves as Nigeria’s economic capital, hosting millions of residents, businesses and visitors daily.

Improved protection for frontline officers can enhance operational effectiveness, reduce risks during security operations and boost confidence among personnel deployed to challenging assignments.

The latest donation also highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in supporting security infrastructure and law enforcement operations across Nigeria.

Police Praise Residents’ Cooperation

The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation to Lagos residents for their support and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

He noted that information provided by members of the public has contributed significantly to police successes in combating crime and maintaining public order.

CP Fatai called for greater collaboration between residents, community leaders and security agencies as the command intensifies efforts to tackle criminal activities across the state.

“The protective equipment would not only enhance operational effectiveness but also serve as a morale booster and confidence-building measure for officers engaged in frontline policing and other critical security operations,” he

Emergency Numbers Released

The Lagos State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through its emergency lines:

– 07061019374

– 08065154338

– 08063299264

– 08039344870

– 09168630929

Industry and Public Perspective

Security experts have repeatedly emphasised that effective policing depends not only on equipment and training but also on strong collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities.

Community policing advocates say public trust and timely intelligence-sharing remain essential components of crime prevention efforts in large metropolitan areas such as Lagos.

What Happens Next?

The newly donated bulletproof helmets and vests are expected to be deployed to officers involved in frontline and tactical operations across Lagos.

The police command says it will continue strengthening intelligence-led policing, improving operational readiness and working with stakeholders to enhance public safety throughout the state.Pull Quotes

“The protective equipment would not only enhance operational effectiveness but also serve as a morale booster and confidence-building measure for officers.”

“He charged all Commanders to remain proactive, vigilant, and committed to their responsibilities.”