The Nigeria Police Force rescued Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke and her 12-year-old twin sons on Saturday night. The victims are relatives of former Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu. They were abducted three days earlier in Ibadan.
The rescue operation unfolded at 7:30 p.m. in the Challenge area of Ibadan. Police tactical teams tracked the kidnappers through sustained surveillance. A gun battle erupted when operatives intercepted the suspects. Two kidnappers were killed. Two rifles were recovered.
Force Public Relations Officer Anthony Placid confirmed the victims were unharmed. They are now receiving medical care at a secure location. The Inspector-General of Police praised the Intelligence Response Team for their professionalism. He ordered intensified manhunts for fleeing gang members believed to be injured.
Governor Seyi Makinde had visited Adelabu on Friday to assure him of government efforts. The abduction occurred while Mrs. Adegoke was driving her sons to school. Meanwhile, over 39 pupils and seven teachers remain in captivity after a separate school abduction in Oriire Local Government on May 15.
Security sources say the rescue marks a rare success amid rising kidnapping incidents in Oyo State. Police have not disclosed whether ransom was paid. The operation underscores the force’s reliance on intelligence-led tactics to counter armed gangs.
