Iyunade Grace
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the rescue of the sister and twin sons of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, following a coordinated operation in Oyo State. The victims were reportedly abducted days earlier by unknown gunmen from their residence in Ibadan. According to police sources, tactical teams tracked the suspects to a hideout where the victims were being held. The operation was carried out without casualties, and the three were freed unharmed before being taken for medical checks and debriefing.
Police authorities said the rescue was the result of intelligence gathering, technical surveillance, and inter-agency collaboration. The Oyo State Police Command led the operation with support from special units deployed from Force Headquarters. Officers stormed the location in the early hours after pinpointing the suspects’ movements. Several arrests were made during the raid, and weapons believed to have been used by the abductors were recovered. The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation as investigations continue into the motive and possible sponsors.
Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who served as Minister of Power and was also the APC governorship candidate in Oyo State in 2023, thanked security agencies for their swift response. In a brief statement, he expressed relief that his family members were rescued alive and commended the professionalism of the officers involved. He also appealed to the public to support law enforcement with timely information, noting that community cooperation was key to the success of the operation. Family members said the twins and their aunt are traumatized but stable.
The incident has reignited concerns about kidnapping in parts of Oyo State and the wider Southwest region. Residents of Ibadan have reported a rise in abductions targeting families of prominent individuals, with ransoms often demanded. Security experts say the latest rescue shows improved response capacity but stress that prevention and dismantling of kidnapping networks remain critical. The state government has pledged to work with federal agencies to strengthen surveillance, especially in residential areas and along major routes used by criminals.
Police spokespersons confirmed that the victims have been reunited with their family and that efforts are underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang. They assured the public that no ransom was paid, emphasizing that the force’s policy is to pursue rescue operations rather than encourage payments to abductors. The command also warned against spreading unverified information about the case, saying it could compromise ongoing investigations. More details are expected to be released once the suspects have been fully profiled.
The rescue of Adelabu’s sister and twin sons has been widely covered as a high-profile success for the police amid public pressure to tackle kidnapping. While the operation ended positively, it underscores the broader security challenge facing families and communities across Nigeria. Authorities are urging vigilance and the use of emergency hotlines to report suspicious activity. For the Adelabu family, the focus now shifts to recovery and privacy after the ordeal.
