The Kano State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers following a suspected bandit attack on the Jos–Kano highway in Doguwa Local Government Area, with efforts ongoing to secure the release of three remaining victims.
Police spokesperson Abdullahi Kiyawa said the incident occurred on Sunday along the Folgore Forest axis between Gate Two Safer Highway and Dogo Dutse.
According to the command, five armed men wielding machetes and a firearm intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus travelling from Jos to Kano and abducted 13 of the 20 passengers on board.
The Divisional Police Officer of Doguwa Division reportedly received a distress call and immediately deployed tactical operatives to the scene.
On arrival, the officers engaged the attackers in a gun battle, forcing them to flee into the forest.
Police said nine victims were rescued during the operation, while another male victim later escaped from captivity, bringing the total number of those rescued to 10.
The rescued passengers were taken to Doguwa General Hospital for medical evaluation and are receiving treatment after being confirmed to be in stable condition.
The command said additional tactical teams had been deployed and intelligence-led operations intensified to rescue the three remaining captives and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Bakori commended members of the public for providing timely information that aided the rescue operation.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue reporting suspicious movements and activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
Police added that investigations into the attack are ongoing and that further updates would be provided as the operation progresses.