Police Rescue 3 Kidnapped AAU Students, Neutralise Suspected Kidnapper in Edo Forest Gun Battle

 

The Edo State Police Command has rescued three kidnapped students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, following a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Erah Forest, while one suspected gang member was neutralised and another arrested with gunshot injuries.

The successful rescue operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday, came barely hours after the gunmen invaded the G.T. Extension area of Ujemen, Ekpoma, killing a 300-level AAU student and abducting three female students.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, said the incident occurred at about 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, when armed men suspected to be kidnappers attacked the area.

According to the police, Peter Ekpen Adolor, a 24-year-old 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University, was fatally shot after responding to distress screams outside a student hostel.

He was rushed to Eguaven Hospital, Ekpoma, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.

The attackers subsequently abducted three female students—Favour Okoroje (21), Balogun Precious (19), and Praise Obagbalu (18)—before fleeing into a nearby forest.

Following the attack, CP Agbonika ordered the immediate deployment of tactical police teams, who launched a joint rescue mission with the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) and local hunters.

The combined security team conducted intensive bush-combing and intelligence-led operations that culminated in the discovery of the kidnappers’ hideout in Erah Forest at about 6:00 a.m. on July 14.

Police said the operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce exchange of gunfire, forcing the criminals to abandon their captives and flee.

The three abducted students were rescued alive and immediately taken to hospital for medical attention.

Security operatives also recovered three AK-47 rifles with magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, a Red Cross bag and a charger during the operation.

One suspected kidnapper was killed during the gun battle, while another was arrested with severe gunshot wounds. Police said efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the gang believed to be responsible for a series of kidnapping incidents in Ekpoma and surrounding communities.

While celebrating the successful rescue of the students, the Edo State Police Command expressed deep sadness over the death of Peter Ekpen Adolor, extending condolences to his family, the management of Ambrose Alli University and the university community.

The Commissioner of Police commended the professionalism and courage of officers of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters for their coordinated efforts, while appreciating the Edo State Government and residents for providing timely intelligence that aided the operation.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals across the state, assuring residents that everyone connected with the attack would be apprehended and brought to justice.