Three students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers during a deadly attack in Edo State, have regained their freedom following a joint security operation that led to a gunfight with their captors inside a forest hideout. The operation, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday by a combined team of police operatives, soldiers, the Edo State Security Corps and local hunters, also resulted in the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, ammunition and other items allegedly belonging to the criminal gang.