Bandits abduct 13 passengers on Jos–Kano highway, police rescue 9

Operatives of the Kano State Police Command have rescued nine passengers following an attack by bandits along the Jos–Kano Highway in Doguwa Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening, July 26, 2026 when gunmen blocked the road at the Falgore Forest axis between Gate Two Safer Highway and Dogo Dutse and attacked a Toyota Hiace bus travelling from Jos to Kano.

The spokesperson for the command, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, who disclosed this in a statement on 27th July, 2026 said the attackers abducted 13 of the 20 passengers on board.

According to the PPRO, tactical operatives from Doguwa Division responded promptly to a distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, leading to the rescue of nine victims, while another male victim later escaped from captivity.

The rescued passengers were taken to Doguwa General Hospital for medical attention and are said to be in stable condition.

However, three victims one male and two female remain in captivity.

“The Kano State Police Command wishes to inform the public of an incident and the prompt response of its operatives on the 26th of July, 2026, in line with the sustained intelligence-led and community-centred policing strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM,” the statement read.

 

“On 26th July, 2026 at about 1730hrs, the Divisional Police Officer, Doguwa Division, received a distress call that a Toyota Hiace Bus with Registration No. BKK 6824 XA, en route from Jos to Kano, was attacked by armed men at Folgore Forest axis, Doguwa LGA, between Gate Two Safer Highway and Dogo Dutse.

 

“According to the report, five suspected armed bandits armed with machetes and a firearm blocked the highway, attacked the vehicle and abducted thirteen (13) out of the twenty (20) passengers on board.

 

“Upon receipt of the information, the DPO Doguwa Division immediately mobilized a team of tactical Police operatives and proceeded to the scene. On arrival, the team engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel.

 

“As a result of the swift and coordinated response of the Police team, nine (9) victims were successfully rescued. One (1) other male victim later escaped from captivity.

 

“Unfortunately, three (3) victims remain in captivity, comprising one (1) male and two (2) females.

 

“The rescued victims were immediately evacuated to Doguwa General Hospital for medical evaluation. All are currently in stable condition and receiving treatment.

 

“The Command has intensified operational and manhunt efforts, including the deployment of additional tactical teams and sustained intelligence gathering, to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining captives and the arrest of the fleeing perpetrators.

 

“This decisive operation underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the IGP to proactive policing, rapid response, and the protection of lives and property through community partnership.

 

“The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, SFIPMA, MNIM, MNIPS, MASIS, commends the vigilance of the motoring public and residents for the timely information provided.

 

“He reassures the good people of Kano State that the Command remains resolute in its mandate to safeguard all residents, especially women and children.

 

“He further urges members of the public to continue to report any suspicious movement or activity to the nearest Police Station or through the Command’s emergency lines.

 

“Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated to the public in due course.”