Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU), who were kidnapped by gunmen in the 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 of Ekpoma.
A 24-year-old 300-level undergraduate student, Peter Ekpen Adolor, was murdered in the assault.
The students who were rescued were recognised as Praise Obagbalu, 18; Favour Okoroje, 21; and Balogun Precious, 19.
The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, revealed the news on Tuesday during a press briefing for journalists at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma.
The commissioner, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, stated that the command received a distress alert indicating that armed individuals believed to be kidnappers had assaulted the area and kidnapped the students.
She stated that the commissioner promptly commanded the despatch of tactical teams for a collaborative rescue mission that included the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters.
The police reported that the rescue mission took place on Tuesday at the kidnappers’ location in
Erah Forest, where security forces confronted the suspects in an intense gunfight.
One of the alleged abductors was eliminated, while another was apprehended with gunshot wounds. The three kidnapped students were saved without injury.
According to the police, the operation resulted in the seizure of three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a charger, a Red Cross bag, and additional incriminating materials.
The CP stated, “On Sunday, 12th July, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer of the Iruekpen Division received a distress report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers carried out an attack at Ujemen G.T. Extension, Ekpoma.
“According to findings, following a distress scream outside a hostel gate in Ekpoma, one Peter Ekpen Adolor, a 24-year-old 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University, attempted to open the gate to ascertain the situation.
“In the process, he was shot in the abdomen by one of the armed assailants. He was rushed to Eguaven Hospital, Ekpoma, where he was unfortunately confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
“The attackers also abducted three persons, all students of Ambrose Alli University, before escaping into the nearby bush.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered the deployment of tactical teams and nearby police divisions, including Ekpoma Division, for a joint rescue mission in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters. The team subsequently conducted coordinated bush-combing and intelligence-led operations aimed at rescuing the hostages unharmed and apprehending the perpetrators.
“I am pleased to inform you that those sustained efforts paid off in the early hours of today, 14th July, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m., when the joint security team located the kidnappers’ hideout in Erah Forest and engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle.
“The superior tactical response of the security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee. During the operation, the three kidnapped Ambrose Alli University students — Favour Okoroje (f), 21 years; Balogun Precious (f), 19 years; and Praise Obagbalu (f), 18 years — were successfully rescued alive and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.
“The operation also led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles with magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, one Red Cross bag and one charger.
“One suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while another was apprehended with serious gunshot injuries.
“Operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the notorious gang that specialised in kidnapping in Ekpoma and its environs, thereby ensuring that they are brought to justice.”
Agbonika applauded the gallantry, professionalism and resilience of officers and personnel of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters, whose joint efforts led to the successful operation.
He also appreciated the support of the state government and members of the public for providing timely and credible information that aided the operation.
Addressing journalists after their rescue, the three students 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.
They stated that they were eventually rescued by the joint security team without any ransom being paid.
