IBADAN — The Oyo State Police Command has alleged that a personal assistant attached to a member of the family of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, collaborated with kidnappers involved in the abduction of his sister and her two children.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this during an appearance on Channels Television, stating that preliminary investigations uncovered insider involvement in the June 3, 2026 kidnapping incident.

According to Ayanlade, the suspect allegedly supplied vital information that aided the kidnappers in planning and executing the operation, suggesting that the crime involved both external criminal elements and an individual familiar with the family’s movements and routine.

The victims, Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, were abducted in the Elewura area of Ring Road, Ibadan, while she was taking the children to school.

The incident triggered a coordinated security operation by the police, involving intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical deployments aimed at locating the victims and apprehending the perpetrators.

Ayanlade said the rescue operation led security operatives to the kidnappers’ hideout, where an exchange of gunfire occurred. Two suspected kidnappers were killed during the operation, while several others were arrested and are currently assisting investigators.

The police spokesperson confirmed that the victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.

He described the operation as a major breakthrough in the state’s ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The command also disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend all individuals connected to the abduction, including anyone suspected of providing logistical or insider support.

Ayanlade urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely information to security agencies to aid crime prevention and law enforcement efforts across the state.