Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have rescued three kidnapped students of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
The rescued students, identified as Praise Obagbalu, 18; Favour Okoroje, 21; and Balogun Precious, 19, were abducted on Sunday, July 12, 2026, during an attack in the Ujemen G.T. Extension area of Ekpoma.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, disclosed the development on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 while briefing journalists at the Nigeria Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekpoma.
The CP, who was represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the k!lling of one student during the attack.
According to the commissioner, the command received a distress report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers had attacked the area and abducted the students.
He said the rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters.
The security operatives on Tuesday stormed the kidnappers’ hideout in Erah Forest, where they engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle.
One of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while another was arrested with gunshot injuries.
“On Sunday 12th July, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer of Iruekpen Division received a distress report that armed men suspected to be kidnappers had attacked at Ujemen G.T. Extension, Ekpoma,” the CP stated.
“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 d3ad by the doctor on duty.
“The attackers also abducted three persons , all students of Ambrose Ali 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 who were detailed 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 unhurt 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 yrs, Balogun precious (f) 19 yrs, Praise Obagbalu (f) 18 yrs 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 ammunitions, five mobile phones, two power banks, one red cross bag and one charger.
“One suspected kidnapper was neutralized, while another was apprehended with serious gunshot injuries.
.”Operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the notorious gang that specialised in kidnapping at Ekpoma and environs thereby ensuring that they are brought to justice.
“While the Command is pleased with the successful rescue of the abducted students, it remains deeply saddened by the unfortunate death of Peter Ekpen Adolor.
“On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the officers, men and women of the Edo State Police Command extend heartfelt condolences to his family, the management of Ambrose Alli University, his fellow students, and all those affected by this tragic incident.
“The Commissioner of Police commends the bravery, professionalism, and resilience of the operatives of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and the local hunters whose collective efforts made this successful operation possible.
“CP Agbonika also appreciates the continued support of the Edo State Government and members of the public, whose timely and credible information remains invaluable in the fight against crime.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to reassure residents that operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals will continue with renewed intensity as the Command remains firm in its resolve to ensuring that every person involved in this heinous crime is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
