The Edo State Police Command has rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
The students were kidnapped on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during an attack in the Ujemen G.T. Extension area, where another student, Peter Ekpen, a 24-year-old 300-level undergraduate, was reportedly shot dead by the gunmen.
The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18, Favour Okoroji, 21, and Balogun Precious, 19.
Briefing journalists on Tuesday at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, said the command swiftly launched a coordinated rescue operation after receiving reports of the abduction.
Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eno Ikoedem, the commissioner said tactical units of the command were immediately deployed alongside personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters to track down the kidnappers.
According to him, the joint security team traced the suspects to their hideout in the Erah Forest, where a fierce gun battle ensued.
During the operation, one suspected kidnapper was killed, while another was arrested with gunshot wounds. The three abducted students were rescued safely without sustaining injuries.
The police also recovered three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a phone charger, a lady’s handbag and other items believed to have been used by the suspects.
Agbonika praised the courage and professionalism of the police officers, military personnel, Edo State Security Corps operatives and local hunters whose collaborative efforts ensured the success of the operation.
He also commended the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence that contributed to the rescue mission.
Speaking after regaining their freedom, the rescued students recounted that they were held captive in the forest and repeatedly moved from one location to another by their abductors, who pressured them to contact their families for ransom.
They expressed gratitude to the security operatives, noting that they were rescued before any ransom was paid.
