A joint security operation has successfully rescued three female students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, after they were kidnapped during a deadly attack that claimed the life of another student.
The dramatic rescue followed an intense three-day manhunt through the forest, where security operatives tracked the kidnappers before launching a fierce early morning assault on their hideout.
The operation ended with suspected kidnappers being neutralised, dangerous weapons recovered, and the abducted students freed without injuries.
According to police, the incident happened on Sunday evening when armed men stormed a hostel in Ujemen G.T. Extension, Ekpoma.
The attackers reportedly abducted three female students after opening fire during the invasion.
Police investigations showed that Peter Ekpen Adolor, a 24-year-old 300-level student, responded after hearing distress calls outside the hostel gate.
Sadly, he was shot in the abdomen while trying to find out what was happening.
He was rushed to Eguaven Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
Immediately after the attack, the Edo State Commissioner of Police ordered tactical teams into action.
Furthermore, officers from nearby police divisions joined forces with the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters.
The combined team immediately launched intelligence-driven operations and bush-combing exercises to locate the kidnappers.
Speaking on how the rescue unfolded, a security operative revealed that the search continued for three straight days before the breakthrough.
“On Sunday night, suspected kidnappers invaded a hostel in Ujemen and abducted three girls. During the attack, they shot and killed one young man. His body was recovered and taken to the mortuary.
Immediately after the incident, we launched a manhunt. Our team remained in the bush for three consecutive days, tracking the suspects.
Early this morning, at about 7:10 a.m., we engaged the kidnappers. Two of the suspects were neutralized, and three AK-47 rifles were recovered. Two other suspects escaped-one fled with an AK-47 rifle, while another escaped with gunshot wounds.
We successfully rescued all three kidnapped girls unharmed.
They sustained no injuries during the operation.”
Meanwhile, Edo Police spokesperson, ASP Edo Ikoedem, said the joint operation reached a turning point early Tuesday morning.
According to her, security operatives located the kidnappers’ camp inside Erah Forest.
A fierce exchange of gunfire followed as the security team confronted the armed gang.
Consequently, the kidnappers abandoned their captives and fled into the forest under heavy pressure.
The rescued students were identified as Favour Okoroje, 21, Balogun Precious, 19, and Praise Obagbalu, 18.
They were immediately taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment.
Moreover, security operatives recovered three AK-47 rifles with magazines, 36 rounds of live ammunition, five mobile phones, two power banks, one Red Cross bag, and a charger.
Police also confirmed that one suspected kidnapper was killed during the operation, while another suspect was arrested with serious gunshot injuries.
However, investigations are still ongoing as security agencies continue efforts to arrest the remaining gang members.
The command extended condolences to his family, Ambrose Alli University, fellow students, and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Furthermore, the Commissioner of Police praised the courage and professionalism displayed by the police, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, and local hunters.
The command also thanked members of the public for providing timely information that supported the operation.
