The family of Adebayo Adelabu, former minister of power, has expressed their gratitude to security agencies for the rescue of Mrs. Olaide Adegoke John-Paul and her 12-year-old twin sons from the hands of their abductors.

The family also thanked the public for their support during the ordeal.

The former minister’s mother, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adelabu
said she was filled with thankfulness for the release of her daughter and grandsons alive.

She noted that her prayers are also with the victims of Oriire abductions, hoping for their safe return to their families.

Mrs. Adelabu made the call while speaking with journalists at her residence in the Challenge area of Ibadan following the rescue of her daughter and grandchildren by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force on Saturday night.

She said the incident left her devastated when she first heard the news of the abduction, as no one was certain of the outcome of such a dastardly act.

The minister’s mother, however, expressed relief that her daughter and grandchildren have been reunited with the family safely after their rescue.

She revealed that a day before her daughter’s abduction, she had offered prayers for the safe return of the Oriire kidnapping victims, unaware that her own daughter and grandchildren would become victims of a similar ordeal the following day.

While further appreciating the efforts of security agencies, government officials, and well-meaning Nigerians who supported the rescue process, she prayed for the safe release of all those still in captivity and expressed hope for lasting peace and security across the country.

The victims were kidnapped at about 7:30 a.m. on June 3, 2026, while Mrs. John-Paul was taking her children to school, leaving the family in distress.

Their abduction came weeks after scores of schoolchildren and teachers were abducted in the Orire Local Government of the state, a development that sparked outrage and protests across the country.

Following the abduction of the former minister’s sister and her two children, Governor Seyi Makinde visited Adelabu on Friday and assured him that efforts to rescue the abductees had been intensified.

A source in the Force disclosed that two suspected kidnappers were neutralised in a gun duel with police operatives, while two firearms were recovered from the gang during the rescue operation.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have rescued 360 kidnapped victims from the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) enclave in the Mandara mountains area of southern Borno state.

Haruna Sani, acting media information officer of OPHK, in a statement, said the operation involved Special Forces and troops of Sector 1.

Sani said the victims, comprising men, women and children, had been held captive under harsh conditions after being abducted from several communities, particularly within the Ngoshe axis.

He described the mission as one of the most significant hostage rescue operations carried out in the north-east theatre in recent times.

According to the statement, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering, covert reconnaissance and operational planning.

Sani said troops acted on credible intelligence that revealed the location of the hostages and an insurgent support network sustaining the enclave.

“Acting on confirmed intelligence, OPHK Special Forces and troops of Sector 1 launched a meticulously coordinated multi-axis operation designed to isolate the objective area, dominate key terrain, and prevent insurgent reinforcement or withdrawal,” the statement reads.

“Supported by real-time ISR feeds, assault forces infiltrated the objective area under the cover of darkness while blocking forces established positions along likely escape routes.

“The operation achieved complete tactical surprise, overwhelming the terrorists before an organised response could be mounted.

“Faced with the speed, precision, and overwhelming combat power of the advancing troops, several insurgents abandoned their positions and fled into surrounding mountainous terrain, while others surrendered.

“The hostages were swiftly secured, medically screened, and evacuated from the objective area.

“Regrettably, two infants succumbed to exhaustion occasioned by the extremely challenging mountainous terrain and the hardships endured during their prolonged captivity.

“The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group.”

The statement added that the military high command commended the courage, professionalism, and discipline displayed by personnel involved in the operation.

It said the command noted that the rescue reflects the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations, inter-agency synergy, and the armed forces’ resolve to protect civilians.

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, has denied reports that he led the operation that secured the release of three members of the Adelabu family who were abducted in Oyo State.

Igboho, in a statement on Sunday, clarified that he played no direct role in the rescue mission, contrary to reports circulating on social media and other platforms.

According to him, the operation was carried out by security personnel who tracked down the kidnappers‘ hideout, rescued the victims, and arrested suspects linked to the abduction.

He stressed that credit for the successful operation should go to the security agencies involved, noting that attributing the rescue to him was inaccurate and misleading

The clarification follows comments reportedly made by media personality Rufai Oseni, who linked Igboho to the rescue effort. Igboho, however, rejected the claim and urged the public to rely on verified information regarding the incident.

The rescue of the victims, who are relatives of former Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has drawn widespread attention and renewed discussions about security operations in the South-West region.

The successful operation has been welcomed by residents and public officials, with many commending security operatives for their swift response and efforts in securing the victims’ freedom.

Authorities are continuing investigations into the abduction, while efforts are underway to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.