The Oyo State Police Command has revealed details of the successful rescue operation that led to the release of the abducted sister of the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons, while also identifying five suspects linked to the kidnapping syndicate.
The victims were rescued unharmed following a coordinated intelligence-driven operation carried out by operatives of the Oyo State Police Command in collaboration with the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) and other tactical units.
Suspects and Their Roles
According to the police, investigations uncovered the involvement of several individuals who played different roles in the abduction.
Among the suspects was Kelechi, who served as a lookout at the gang's hideout. During the rescue operation, he reportedly opened fire on security operatives and was neutralized alongside another unidentified gang member during the ensuing gun battle.
The second neutralized suspect, whose identity is yet to be confirmed, was said to have participated in holding the victims captive at the hideout.
The police also arrested Wale Abolalewa, popularly known as "Oloro," a key member of the kidnapping syndicate who was already on the police watchlist. Investigators disclosed that his arrest provided crucial intelligence that exposed the gang's network and operations.
Another suspect, Dare Oyedele, also known as "Solution," was identified as a major operational figure within the gang. He allegedly participated in surveillance, planning, and execution of the kidnapping operation.
Also arrested were Semiu Ishola, aged 39, and Adeyemi Ayobami, aged 35. Both men allegedly acted as agents who facilitated and secured the criminal hideout located in Lado Community, Ayegun area of Ibadan, where the victims were held captive.
Police authorities confirmed that all arrested suspects are currently in custody and assisting investigators with further inquiries.
Months of Surveillance Before Abduction
Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate carried out extensive surveillance on the victims and their family before executing the crime.
The gang reportedly monitored the family's daily movements, photographed vehicles, studied school environments, and even attempted to recruit a household staff member identified as Segun in May 2026 to provide insider information.
After weeks of planning, the criminals allegedly used an unregistered vehicle to carry out the abduction.
How the Rescue Operation Was Carried Out
The operation began immediately after the police received a distress report on June 3, 2026.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, ordered an intensive manhunt for the kidnappers using intelligence gathering, digital tracking, crime scene analysis, and surveillance operations.
Police sources disclosed that the breakthrough came with the arrest of Wale Abolalewa, alias "Oloro," whose confession and intelligence helped security operatives identify additional suspects and locate the hideout at Lado Community in Ayegun, Ibadan.
Armed with the intelligence, security operatives launched a coordinated raid on the hideout on June 6, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Upon arrival, one of the suspects, Kelechi, reportedly opened fire on the security team, leading to a gun battle. The operatives responded swiftly, neutralizing two kidnappers while successfully rescuing all victims without injuries.
Weapons, Charms Recovered
During the operation, police recovered several items believed to have been used by the syndicate, including:
- Three pump-action rifles
- Fourteen live cartridges
- An unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla allegedly used during the abduction
- Criminal charms
- A battle axe
- A hammer
- Suspected hard drugs
- Face masks
Police Continue Hunt for Fleeing Gang Members
The Oyo State Police Command disclosed that investigations are still ongoing to track down other members of the criminal network who escaped during the operation.
Authorities believe some of the fleeing suspects may have sustained gunshot wounds during the confrontation.
The Command has therefore appealed to hospitals, clinics, traditional healers, and members of the public to immediately report any individual seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot injuries.
Police reassured residents of their commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes while urging the public to continue providing useful information that could assist security agencies in maintaining safety across the state.
We have a lot to uncover here
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