Abayomi Susan
The Kano State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers abducted during an attack on the Jos–Kano highway in Doguwa Local Government Area, while intensified efforts are underway to secure the release of three other victims still in captivity.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Abdullahi Kiyawa, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, revealing that the incident occurred on Sunday, July 26, at about 5:30 p.m. along the Folgore Forest axis between Gate Two Safer Highway and Dogo Dutse.
According to him, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BKK 6824 XA, travelling from Jos to Kano, was intercepted by five armed assailants carrying machetes and a firearm.
The attackers reportedly barricaded the highway, launched an assault on the vehicle and abducted 13 out of the 20 passengers onboard before fleeing into the surrounding area.
Kiyawa said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Doguwa Division responded swiftly after receiving a distress call and immediately deployed tactical police teams to the scene.
Upon arrival, the operatives engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat and abandon their victims.
“Following the swift and coordinated response of the Police team, nine victims were successfully rescued, while another male victim later escaped from captivity,” the statement said.
The rescued passengers were taken to Doguwa General Hospital for medical assessment and treatment, where they are currently in stable condition.
The command disclosed that additional tactical teams have been deployed, with intelligence-driven operations ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and track down the fleeing suspects.
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, commended members of the public for providing useful information that contributed to the success of the rescue operation.
He assured residents of the command’s continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property, especially women and children, while urging citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The police added that investigations into the attack are ongoing, promising that further updates would be provided as more developments emerge.
