Police added that their operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Nigeria Police Force has disclosed that two members of a kidnapping syndicate lost their lives during a confrontation on Saturday. The criminals had abducted the younger sister of the former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside her twin sons.
This incident was confirmed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid.
Prior to this development, police operatives had rescued Adelabu’s younger sister, Olaide John-Paul, and her 12-year-old twin sons, Peter and Paul, during a late-night operation in Ibadan.
The trio were kidnapped on 3 June while on their way to school, after suspects reportedly trailed the victims from their residence and intercepted them before whisking them away.
While updating the public on the incident, the police revealed that the rescue operation was carried out at about 7:30 pm on Saturday.
Placid went on to say the rescue was executed by the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) in Ibadan, three days after the family was violently abducted during a school run.
He further noted that the criminals were neutralised after attempting to engage the specialised tactical team.
“The rescue was achieved through sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance, and tactical operations. These efforts enabled investigators to track the kidnappers’ movements, resulting in a confrontation with FID-IRT operatives.
“During the confrontation, two suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded, and two rifles were recovered. The victims were rescued unharmed and are now in safe custody, receiving medical care and support,” the statement read.
Placid added that security operatives have intensified efforts in the area to apprehend fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate, as intelligence indicates that some suspects escaped with gunshot injuries.
“Operations are ongoing to track, arrest, and bring all involved to justice,” the statement noted.
