Three passengers remain in captivity after suspected bandits attacked a commercial bus travelling along the Jos-Kano highway in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State, the Kano State Police Command has confirmed.
The attack occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, when a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BKK 6824 XA, travelling from Jos to Kano, was ambushed at the Folgore Forest axis between Gate Two Safer Highway and Dogo Dutse.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, five armed bandits, reportedly carrying machetes and a firearm, blocked the road, attacked the vehicle and abducted 13 of the 20 passengers on board.
Following a distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Doguwa Division immediately deployed tactical operatives to the scene, where they engaged the attackers in a gun battle.
“As a result of the swift and coordinated response of the police team, nine victims were successfully rescued. One other male victim later escaped from captivity,” the police said.
The command, however, confirmed that three passengers — one man and two women — are still being held by the kidnappers.
The rescued victims were taken to Doguwa General Hospital for medical examination and treatment, with the police stating that they are all in stable condition.
The command said additional tactical teams have been deployed, while intelligence-led operations are ongoing to rescue the remaining captives and arrest those responsible for the attack.
“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,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended residents and motorists for providing timely information that aided the rescue operation. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station.
Source: Kano State Police Command.
