Kano Police Rescue 10 Passengers After Highway Bandit Attack
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Kano State Police rescued 10 passengers from suspected bandits who attacked a commercial vehicle on the Jos-Kano highway.
- The bandits blocked the road, abducted 13 passengers, but police engaged them in a gun duel, leading to the rescue of nine victims and one escapee.
- Three passengers remain in captivity, and authorities have intensified efforts to rescue them and apprehend the suspects.
Kano State Police have rescued 10 passengers following a highway bandit attack that saw 13 people abducted. The incident occurred along the Jos-Kano highway when five suspected armed bandits blocked the road, armed with machetes and a firearm.
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, travelling from Jos to Kano, was attacked by armed men at the Falgore Forest axis in Doguwa Local Government Area, between Gate Two Safer Highway and Dogo Dutse.
Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives from the Doguwa Division mobilized to the scene. They engaged the bandits in a gun duel, successfully rescuing nine victims. Another male victim later escaped from the captors. However, three individuals, one male and two females, remain in captivity.
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.
The rescued passengers were taken to Doguwa General Hospital for medical evaluation and are reported to be in stable condition. The Kano State Police Command has intensified operational and manhunt efforts, deploying additional tactical teams and gathering intelligence to secure the release of the remaining captives and arrest the fleeing suspects.
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. Unfortunately, three victims remain in captivity, comprising one male and two females.
Police Commissioner Ibrahim Bakori commended residents for providing timely information and reassured the public of the command's commitment to protecting lives and property. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The decisive operation underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police to proactive policing, rapid response, and the protection of lives and property through community partnership.
Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.