Olaide John‑Paul, the younger sister of former power minister Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons were freed by the Nigeria Police Force after three days in captivity. They were ambushed and abducted on Wednesday, June 3, and rescued on Saturday, June 6.
Channels Television says police sources put the rescue at about 7:30 p.m. Two suspected kidnappers were reportedly killed in a gunfight and two rifles were recovered. The video of the operation has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter).
Force public relations officer Anthony Placid issued a statement. “The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.
“During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded, and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support.”
The police added: “The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the public’s support, cooperation, and patience during the operation. We remain committed to combating violent crime, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety of all citizens.”
Nigerians weighed in online. @Veryslimguy1 wrote: “Let them put the same Intel and energy on a common Nigerian being kidnapped and set a good example to the kidnappers without court hearing.”
@Afegbua_01: “Kidnappers kept them in a comfortable place just for you to come and get them. Make it make sense. We can’t continue to be deceiving ourselves.”
@yungobna: “If they explain this country to you, you still won’t comprehend it. Let them use the same Intel used here to also rescue the poor families stuck in the bush.”
@King_Bosy: “Crime has no religion or tribe. We need to apologise to Fulanis for constantly blaming them for every kidnapping that happens in this country.”
@Mz_Tosyn: “They believed they kidnapped Adelabu’s sister and the twins, but they didn’t believe the rescue video because they are allergic to positive news.”
See video here.
Adelabu was a recent APC governorship aspirant who lost the primary to Senator Sarafadeen Alli. Earlier, Oyo lawmakers rejected negotiating with bandits and urged security audits of schools near forests and borders.
