The combined operatives of the Edo State Police Command, the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps, ESSC, and local hunters have neutralised one of the suspected kidnappers who killed a 24-year-old 300-level student of the Department of Anatomy, Ambrose Alli University, AAU, Ekpoma, identified as Peter Ekpen Adolor.

The combined team of security operatives also arrested one of the suspected kidnappers and rescued three of their victims.

DAILY POST recalls that the student was shot dead on Sunday night, July 12, 2026, by the suspects at his off-campus residence.

The Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Benin City.

Ikoedem said the operation was carried out by tactical teams deployed by the command and nearby police divisions, including the Ekpoma Division.

She said the teams were detailed for a joint rescue mission in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC), and local hunters.

She said the joint security team located the kidnappers’ hideout in Erah Forest and engaged the criminals in a fierce gun battle.

The command’s spokesperson added that during the gun duel, the superior tactical response of the security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee.

She, however, added that three female Ambrose Alli University students who were abducted by the suspects were rescued.

She gave the names of the rescued victims as Favour Okoroje, 21; Balogun Precious, 19; and Praise Obagbalu, 18.

She said the victims were successfully rescued alive and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

Ikoedem further disclosed that 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 were recovered from the suspects during the operation.

According to her, on Sunday, July 12, 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.

“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 the Ekpoma Division, which 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 unharmed and apprehending the perpetrators.

“I am pleased to inform you that those sustained efforts paid off in the early hours of today, July 14, 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,” she said.

“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 (21), Balogun Precious (19), and Praise Obagbalu (18)—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,” she said.

She explained that one of the suspected kidnappers was neutralised, while another was apprehended with serious gunshot injuries.

She stated that operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the notorious gang that specialises in kidnapping in Ekpoma and its environs.

Meanwhile, Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the command, commended the security operatives for their bravery, professionalism, and resilience, whose collective efforts made the successful operation possible.

Agbonika, however, commiserated with the family of the slain student, the management of Ambrose Alli University, fellow students, and all those affected by the tragic incident.