Video: How police rescued ex‑Minister’s sister, children in Ibadan
Abdullateef Fowewe
Shaky nighttime video footage that circulated on social media early Sunday appears to show officers escorting a woman and two children from a building as they repeatedly tell them, “You are safe” and “Calm down,” in what witnesses described as a tense rescue operation in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In the video, the abducted Olaide Busayo Adegoke John‑Paul — sister of a former Minister of Power and her 12‑year‑old twin sons were seen in the video.
Meanwhile, Nigeria Police Force has on late Saturday confirmed the incident in a statement, identifying the woman as Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John‑Paul, sister of a former Minister of Power and naming her 12‑year‑old twin sons, Peter and Paul, as the child victims.
The three were abducted on the morning of Wednesday, June 3 while Adegoke was driving the boys to school, Dailyeconomy reports.
“The Nigeria Police Force announces the successful rescue of Mrs. Olaide Busayo Adegoke John‑Paul and her 12‑year‑old twin sons, Peter and Paul, who were abducted on June 3, 2026, in Ibadan, Oyo State,” the Force statement said.
Police said the hostages were freed at about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday after a coordinated operation led by the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID‑IRT).
“The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations,” the statement added, saying those measures “enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID‑IRT operatives.”
The force reported that two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during the confrontation and that two rifles were recovered.
“The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support,” the statement said.
Video from the scene shows officers shepherding a woman in blue attire and the children out of a compound amid urgent commands and hurried movement.
In the clip an officer can be heard repeating, “You are safe,” as other voices call for calm.
The Inspector‑General of Police praised the FID‑IRT operatives, saying their “courage, professionalism, and effectiveness” were instrumental in the safe recovery.
Police further said security operatives have intensified operations in the area to apprehend other members of the alleged kidnapping syndicate, noting that preliminary intelligence suggests some suspects fled with gunshot injuries.
The Force appealed for public assistance and patience during ongoing operations.
“We remain committed to combating violent crime, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the safety of all citizens,” the statement concluded.
Local residents said the rescue drew a heavy security presence into the neighbourhood and prompted calls for improved protection for commuters and schoolchildren.
The rescued family remained in police care on Sunday as investigators continued follow‑up raids and evidence collection, Dailyeconomy gathered.
