Five students of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, who were kidnapped on Tuesday from the institution’s satellite campus in Emuoha Local Government Area, have been rescued by security operatives.

Their abduction had sparked tension among students at the Emuoha campus, prompting a protest during which they demanded immediate relocation to the university’s main campus for safety.

Addressing the aggrieved students, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, announced a temporary shutdown of academic activities at the satellite campus and ordered all students residing there to vacate the premises pending further notice.

Confirming the rescue on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the five undergraduates were freed unhurt during a coordinated operation carried out by police tactical teams and other security agencies at Rumuodogo 2 community.

Iringe-Koko disclosed that the victims — Prince London, Azubuike Kelechukwu, Elizabeth Aniete, Onyebuchi Precious, and London Sampson,were abducted by suspected cultists from isolated student residences. She added that the students, including one female, have been taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.

“The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the public that on 04/12/2025 at about 0100hrs, the five abducted victims… have been successfully rescued unhurt,” the statement read.

She further noted that efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing kidnappers.