Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were abducted by gunmen over the weekend.
The operation, however, came with a tragic loss, as a fourth student was killed during the initial attack.
The students were seized on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during an assault in the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma. The attack, which has sent shockwaves through the university community, resulted in the death of 24-year-old Peter Ekpen, a 300-level undergraduate.
The rescued students have been identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18; Favour Okoroji, 21; and Balogun Precious, 19.
State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Agbonika, disclosed the development on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma.
Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Moses Joel Yamu, the commissioner explained that the command received a distress report about the attack and immediately mobilised resources.
“The commissioner ordered the immediate deployment of tactical teams for a joint rescue operation,” CSP Yamu stated.
The operation involved a combined force of the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters.
The rescue operation culminated on Tuesday at the kidnappers’ hideout in the Erah Forest. Security operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle, leading to significant breakthroughs.
According to police reports, one suspected kidnapper was neutralised during the exchange, while another was arrested after sustaining gunshot injuries. The three abducted students were rescued unharmed.
The police said the operation led to the recovery of several items, including three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and five mobile phones. Other incriminating items found included two power banks, a charger, and a lady’s handbag.
Speaking to journalists after their rescue, the three students recounted their harrowing experience. They said they were held in the forest by their captors, who repeatedly moved them from one location to another while demanding that they contact their relatives to raise ransom.
The students expressed relief at their rescue and confirmed that the joint security team secured their release without any ransom being paid.
Commissioner Agbonika commended the bravery, professionalism, and resilience of the officers and personnel involved in the operation. He praised the joint efforts of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and the local hunters.
He also thanked the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely and credible information that aided the operation.
