Edo Police Rescue Three Kidnapped AAU Students, Neutralise Suspected Kidnapper

Kingsley Ohens

Ekpoma, Edo State – The Edo State Police Command has successfully rescued three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The students were kidnapped on Sunday, July 12, 2026, when armed men attacked the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma. During the incident, 24-year-old Peter Ekpen, a 300-level undergraduate, was fatally shot.

The rescued students were identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18; Favour Okoroji, 21; and Balogun Precious, 19.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Monday Agbonika, represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that the command immediately launched a coordinated rescue operation after receiving a distress report of the abduction.

According to the police commissioner, tactical units of the command were deployed alongside personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters to track the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.

The operation culminated in a gun battle at the kidnappers’ hideout in the Erah Forest on Tuesday, where security operatives overpowered the suspects. One suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while another was arrested with gunshot wounds. The three abducted students were rescued safely without sustaining injuries.

Security operatives also recovered three AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a charger, a lady’s handbag, and other items believed to be connected to the criminal operation.

The commissioner commended the courage, professionalism, and coordinated efforts of officers and personnel of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters whose collaboration ensured the success of the mission.

He also expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government and members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence that contributed significantly to the operation.

Speaking after their rescue, the students recounted their ordeal, saying they were moved from one location to another within the forest by their captors, who repeatedly pressured them to contact their families to raise ransom.

They confirmed that they were rescued by the joint security team before any ransom was paid.

The successful operation marks another significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts of security agencies to combat kidnapping and violent crime in Edo State, while reinforcing the importance of intelligence-sharing and inter-agency collaboration in protecting lives and restoring public confidence in security operations.