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.”

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the death of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Kanayo V. Uzuegbu, describing him as a dedicated officer whose career spanned more than 30 years in public service.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, AIG Uzuegbu passed away on Friday, May 30, 2026.

The senior police officer served in various operational, administrative, training, and leadership positions across Nigeria and abroad, earning recognition for his professionalism and commitment to public safety.

A Career Spanning Three Decades

A native of Umuaka Community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, Uzuegbu joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police after training at the Police Academy, Kaduna.

His academic background reflected a strong interest in leadership, security, and conflict management. He held a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Port Harcourt, a Higher Diploma in Strategic Studies from the University of Maiduguri, and a Master’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Nigeria.

Throughout his career, he also completed professional courses in counter-terrorism, human rights, law of armed conflict, and strategic leadership.

Key Leadership Positions

Over the years, Uzuegbu occupied several notable positions within the police hierarchy.

His appointments included Squadron Commander of No. 15 Police Mobile Force (PMF) in Ilorin, Area Commander in Owerri and Karu, Director of the Central Planning Training Unit at the Police Staff College in Jos, Commissioner of Police for Operations Communication at Force Headquarters in Abuja, and Commissioner of Police in Enugu State Command.

He also represented Nigeria in international peacekeeping efforts as Commander of Sector 8 of the African peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Sudan.

Security analysts say such assignments reflect a career that combined field operations, strategic planning, personnel development, and international security cooperation.

Why It Matters

The death of a senior police officer often resonates beyond the security community because of the influence such officers have on policing policies, training standards, and operational leadership.

Uzuegbu’s career coincided with significant changes in Nigeria’s security landscape, including reforms in policing, peacekeeping engagements, and efforts to strengthen public safety institutions.

His service in training and strategic planning roles also meant that his impact extended to younger generations of officers who passed through the institutions he helped oversee.

Police Leadership Pays Tribute

In its statement, the Nigeria Police Force expressed condolences to the late officer’s family and colleagues.

The Force described him as:

“An officer who brought honour to the Force and served the nation with commendable dedication.”

The statement added that the leadership of the Force had conveyed its deepest sympathies to his family.

The police also prayed that “the Almighty God grants his soul eternal rest and grants his family the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.”

Industry and Public Perspective

Former security officials and policing experts frequently note that experienced senior officers play a critical role in shaping institutional memory within law enforcement agencies.

The passing of officers who have served across multiple commands and strategic units often marks the end of decades of accumulated operational knowledge and mentorship.

As tributes continue to emerge from colleagues, former subordinates, and members of the public, many are expected to reflect on Uzuegbu’s contributions to policing, leadership development, and peacekeeping operations.

What’s Next?

The Nigeria Police Force has not yet announced details regarding funeral arrangements or official memorial activities.

Further information is expected from the family and police authorities in the coming days.