Five students of Rivers State University abducted from their off-campus residences in the early hours of Wednesday have been rescued unhurt, following a coordinated operation by security agencies and community leaders.

The students; Prince London, Azubuike Kelechukwu, Elizabeth Aniete, Onyebuchi Precious, and London Sampson, were kidnapped around 1:00 a.m. from their lodges in the Rumuche/Rumuohia area of Emohua Local Government Area.

According to the Rivers State Police Command, the victims were found on Thursday in Rumuodogo 2, a neighboring community where the abductors allegedly held them. Police spokespersons said the kidnappers fled moments before operatives arrived but left behind “critical leads,” including a detained suspected collaborator, as investigations continue.

According to the Rumuohia Youth President, intelligence gathered shortly after the attack identified youths from neighboring Rumuodogo 1 and 2 as suspects, alongside a Rumuohia accomplice now in police custody. Community leaders confronted Rumuodogo’s CDC Chairman with a 3 p.m. deadline to free the students; pressure that residents say accelerated their release.

The Commissioner of Police commended the joint efforts of security operatives, local vigilantes, and community residents, assuring that the fleeing suspects would be tracked down The students have since reunited with their families as authorities intensify operations to prevent further attacks in the area.