IBADAN, Nigeria — The Oyo State Police Command has disclosed details of a highly organized surveillance and reconnaissance operation that led to the abduction of the younger sister of Nigeria’s former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons.
Speaking to reporters in Ibadan, the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent Ayanlade Olayinka, revealed that the criminal syndicate spent several weeks monitoring the family and mapping their daily routines before executing the crime.
The Abduction According to police statements, 42-year-old Olaide Busayo Adegoke and her 11-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were intercepted on June 3 at approximately 7:30 a.m. while traveling to school. Four armed men driving an unregistered, ash-colored Toyota Corolla blocked their vehicle along Elewura Street, near the Ring Road area of Ibadan, and forced the victims away.
Investigators noted that the operation was the culmination of a deliberate strategy rather than an opportunistic crime. In May, members of the syndicate reportedly attempted to infiltrate the family’s inner circle by trying to recruit a domestic staff member.
Subsequent forensic analysis of digital evidence recovered by investigators showed that the suspects had taken photographs of the family’s vehicles, the children’s school environment, and other locations connected to their daily activities.
Intelligence and Tactical Response
Following a distress report received on the day of the kidnapping, a multi-agency response was activated. Under directives from the Inspector-General of Police, a joint operation was launched combining the Force Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) with the Oyo State Police Command and additional tactical units.
The breakthrough in the investigation occurred with the apprehension of a suspect on the command’s watchlist, identified as Wale Abolalewa. Interrogations and intelligence sharing subsequently led detectives to a second key operative, Dare Oyedele.
Through geospatial analysis and surveillance data, authorities successfully located the gang’s secure base within the Lado Community in the Ayegun area of Ibadan.
The Rescue Operation
Tactical teams launched a raid on the hideout on June 6 at approximately 7:30 p.m. Upon approach, operatives encountered armed resistance from a suspect identified as Kelechi—who had reportedly traveled from Lagos State to serve as a lookout—alongside an unidentified accomplice.
Both suspects were fatally wounded during the ensuing exchange of gunfire.
Mrs. Adegoke and her sons were rescued without physical injury. They were placed briefly in protective custody for evaluation before being reunited with their family.
Recovered Material and Ongoing Investigation Following the clearance of the location, police recovered an array of operational materials, including three pump-action rifles, 14 rounds of live ammunition, the Toyota Corolla utilized during the initial abduction, tactical gear, and various sharp instruments.
Law enforcement agencies confirmed that an active manhunt is underway for the remaining members of the syndicate, who are believed to have fled the scene with gunshot wounds. The Oyo State Police Command has formally requested medical practitioners, hospital administrators, and traditional care providers across the region to immediately notify security forces of any individuals presenting with suspicious ballistic injuries.
Add Comment