HOW FAMILY MEMBER’S AIDE HELPED ORCHESTRATE KIDNAP OF ADELABU’S SISTER, TWIN CHILDREN – POLICE

By: Tajudeen Aminat

The kidnapping of the sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her twin children has exposed what investigators describe as a carefully orchestrated plot allegedly aided by an insider within the family’s circle.

What initially appeared to be a routine school run on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, quickly turned into a nightmare when armed kidnappers abducted the woman and her twin children while they were on their way to school.

Days later, a dramatic rescue operation by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force brought the ordeal to an end, uncovering a criminal network that allegedly relied on inside information to execute the abduction.

Speaking on the development, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade  said investigations revealed that a personal assistant identified as Segun allegedly connived with members of the kidnapping syndicate before the attack.

According to the police, the suspect was allegedly recruited by one of the gang’s key operatives, identified as Dare, popularly known as “Solution.” Investigators believe the relationship between the two men enabled the criminal gang to gain access to sensitive information about the family’s movements and routines.

Police sources disclosed that the kidnappers initially planned to abduct only the mother but realized that it would not have been easy to achieve. However, events took an unexpected turn on the day of the incident.

Investigators said the gang had anticipated that the family’s driver would take the children to school as usual. Instead, the mother personally drove the twins that morning, forcing the kidnappers to alter their plan and abduct all three victims.

The abduction immediately triggered a large-scale security response.

Acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, tactical teams drawn from the Force Intelligence Department’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and other police units launched an intelligence-driven manhunt aimed at rescuing the victims and dismantling the syndicate.

A major breakthrough came with the arrest of a suspected gang member identified as “Oloro,” who had reportedly been on the police watchlist.

According to investigators, information obtained during interrogation led operatives deeper into the network and exposed the involvement of other suspects, including Dare “Solution,” who allegedly played a central role in coordinating the operation.

For three days, investigators tracked leads, analysed intelligence and monitored the movements of the suspects before eventually locating the gang’s hideout in Ayegun, Ibadan.

The operation reached its climax on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., heavily armed operatives stormed the hideout in what police described as a coordinated tactical raid.

However, the suspects did not surrender without resistance.

One of the gang members, identified as Kelechi, reportedly opened fire on the approaching officers immediately he sighted them.

Police operatives returned fire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunshots.

By the end of the confrontation, Kelechi and another gang member had been neutralised, while the kidnapped mother and her twin children were rescued unharmed.

The successful operation has since sparked widespread public interest, particularly regarding the motive behind the kidnapping.

When asked whether the abduction was politically motivated because of the family’s connection to a prominent political figure or simply a ransom-driven crime, the police spokesman Olayinka Ayanlade  declined to draw conclusions.

He maintained that investigations were still ongoing and that authorities would not want to jeopardise the integrity of the inquiry by making premature disclosures.

Questions were also raised about the source of the weapons allegedly used by the gang and whether powerful sponsors were backing the criminal network.

Again, the police spokesman remained cautious, insisting that investigators were still piecing together crucial aspects of the case.

The rescue operation also generated controversy after videos from the scene surfaced online shortly after the raid.

Responding to questions about who recorded and circulated the footage, and whether such materials should have been made public, the police said internal reviews were ongoing.

Authorities stressed that operational procedures exist within the Nigeria Police Force regarding the handling of sensitive materials and urged members of the public to trust the process while investigations continue.

While the victims have since been reunited with their family, the case has highlighted the growing role insiders can play in facilitating major crimes and the increasing sophistication of kidnapping syndicates operating across the country.

For investigators, the operation represents not only a successful rescue mission but also a stark reminder that some of the biggest security threats often come from those closest to their targets.

The Command PRO also touched on the lingering OriIre Local Government kidnap case, asking whether the same speed, coordination, and tactical efficiency that led to the rescue of Adelabu’s sister and her twin children were being deployed to secure the release of the 42 children reportedly still being held captive.

In response, the Oyo State Police spokesperson assured the public that security agencies were leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to rescue the victims. He disclosed that even more resources, intelligence assets, and operational strategies than those deployed in the Adelabu rescue operation had been mobilised for the ongoing mission.

According to him, the operation involves a multi-agency approach, with federal and state security institutions working in close collaboration to ensure the safe return of the children and the apprehension of those responsible for the abduction.

While declining to provide specific operational details, the police spokesman stressed that the security architecture surrounding the case remains robust and active, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts would yield positive results.

He also used the opportunity to call on employers and members of the public to be more vigilant regarding the people they engage and the environments in which they live and work.

According to him, many criminal activities are facilitated by individuals who have gained the trust of their victims, making background checks, employee monitoring, and situational awareness critical tools in preventing security breaches.

“People must pay closer attention to those within their immediate circles and surroundings,” he said, noting that insider involvement has become an increasingly common feature in many criminal operations.