The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspected kidnappers following a rescue operation that secured the freedom of Mrs. Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, the younger sister of former Minister of Power and Oyo APC governorship aspirant, Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin sons.

The operation, which took place late Saturday in the Ayegun area of Oluyole Local Government Area, also led to the recovery of firearms, including a pump-action gun, police authorities said. Two additional suspects were reportedly killed during a gun battle with security operatives, while others escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Oluwagbemiga Abimbola, said the victims were rescued following intelligence gathering and surveillance efforts that enabled officers to trace the kidnappers’ hideout to a three bedroom bungalow in the area.

“Following intelligence received, our officers conducted a successful operation that resulted in the rescue of the victims and the arrest of four suspects,” Abimbola said. He added that firearms were recovered during the operation and investigations are continuing to apprehend other members of the gang.

Mrs. John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons were abducted on June 3 while she was reportedly driving the children to school in the Elewura-Challenge area of Ibadan. The incident sparked widespread concern across Oyo State and prompted intensified efforts by security agencies to secure their release.

Police said the rescue was achieved through intelligence-led operations involving the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT). During the confrontation with the kidnappers, two suspects were fatally wounded, while the victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their family.

The police commissioner also expressed concern that residents in the neighbourhood where the victims were held allegedly failed to report suspicious activities, despite indications that the location had been used repeatedly by kidnappers. He urged members of the public to promptly report unusual movements and security concerns to law enforcement agencies.

Authorities said follow up operations are ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining members of the kidnapping syndicate.