Operatives of the Kano State Police Command have rescued nine passengers following a brazen attack by armed bandits along the Jos–Kano Highway in Doguwa Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on the evening of July 26, 2026, left three victims still in captivity despite a swift police response.
Attack on Jos–Kano Highway
According to a statement by the command's spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the attack took place at approximately 5:30 p.m. on the Falgore Forest axis, between Gate Two Safer Highway and Dogo Dutse. A Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BKK 6824 XA, traveling from Jos to Kano, was ambushed by five suspected armed bandits wielding machetes and a firearm. The assailants blocked the highway, forced the vehicle to stop, and abducted 13 of the 20 passengers on board.
Police Response and Rescue Operation
The Divisional Police Officer of Doguwa Division received a distress call and immediately mobilized a tactical team to the scene. Upon arrival, officers engaged the bandits in a gun duel, leading to the successful rescue of nine victims. A tenth male victim later managed to escape from captivity on his own. The rescued passengers were rushed to Doguwa General Hospital for medical evaluation, where they were reported to be in stable condition and receiving treatment.
"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," the statement read. The command commended the vigilance of the motoring public and residents for the timely information that aided the operation.
Ongoing Search for Remaining Victims
Despite the successful rescue, three victims—one male and two female—remain in captivity. The police have 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 Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, PhD, reassured the public of the command's commitment to protecting lives and property, 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," the statement added. Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and further developments will be communicated to the public in due course.
