The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State has visited the suspected kidnappers’ hideout located in Lakoun, along the Ayegun-Olojuoro Road in Ibadan, where security operatives rescued the sister of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, and her children from captivity.
Addressing journalists at the scene of the operation, the police commissioner described the rescue mission as a major breakthrough achieved through intelligence gathering and coordinated security efforts following the abduction incident.
Standing within the vicinity identified as the kidnappers’ den, the police chief lamented what he described as the culture of silence among residents who may have observed suspicious activities in their communities but failed to alert security agencies.
“As you can see, we are live here, and here is the abode of the kidnappers,” the commissioner said. “People around here testified that they normally see them, but they are afraid to come out to say what’s always going on.”
He stressed the importance of public cooperation in tackling insecurity, noting that timely information from community members could significantly aid law enforcement agencies in preventing crimes before they escalate.
“My advice is clear: if you see something, speak out so that we can take action because if we had known before now, we would have taken action against them,” he stated.
The commissioner extended the appeal beyond Oyo State, urging Nigerians across the country to embrace a culture of vigilance and active citizenship by reporting criminal activities in their localities.
“My advice to Nigerians at large is that they should always report any act in their areas,” he added.
Providing insight into the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects, the police chief disclosed that security operatives immediately swung into action after receiving reports of the kidnapping incident, which occurred on June 3.
According to him, investigators deployed technical and intelligence-driven strategies that eventually led to the identification and arrest of those allegedly involved in the crime.
“As regards how we captured the kidnappers, when we had the incident on the 3rd of June, we carried out some technical works which resulted in our arresting them,” he explained. “So, it was purely intelligence work.”
The commissioner, however, noted that investigations were still ongoing to determine whether there were any underlying motives behind the abduction, including speculations suggesting possible political undertones.
“As regards the issue of whether it is politically motivated or not, we are still carrying out investigations on that,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Oyo State Government would take appropriate action concerning the property where the criminal operation was allegedly conducted.
“The Governor of Oyo State will also take decisive decisions on the building where this incident occurred,” the police commissioner stated.
The police chief also addressed widespread claims on social media and other platforms suggesting that Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, played a role in tracking down or arresting the suspects linked to the kidnapping.
Dismissing the reports, the commissioner maintained that the police operation was independently executed through professional intelligence gathering, technical investigations and coordinated security efforts.
“And as for the rumour going on that Sunday Igboho helped out in capturing these criminals, I’m not aware of that at all,” he said.
His remarks appear to put to rest speculations that external individuals or groups were directly involved in the operation that culminated in the rescue of the victims and the apprehension of the suspected kidnappers.
The rescue of Adelabu’s sister and her children has generated widespread reactions across Oyo State and beyond, particularly because of the prominence of the family involved and the increasing concerns over the spate of kidnapping incidents in different parts of the country.
Residents and security stakeholders have continued to commend the swift response of law enforcement agencies while renewing calls for stronger collaboration between communities and security operatives to combat criminal activities.
The development also highlights the growing importance of intelligence-led policing, with the Oyo State Police Command reiterating that citizens have a crucial role to play in ensuring public safety through prompt reporting of suspicious movements and activities.
As investigations continue, authorities have assured residents that everyone connected to the crime will be brought to justice, while further measures are expected to be implemented to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
