The Kano State police command has rescued nine passengers who were abducted by bandits along the Jos-Kano highway in the Folgore Forest axis of Doguwa Local Government Area of the state.

A statement on Monday by Abdullahi Kiyawa, the command’s spokesman, said the incident occurred on Sunday at about 5:30 p.m.

“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, en route from Jos to Kano, was attacked by armed men at Folgore Forest axis, Doguwa LGA, between Gate Two Safer Highway and Dogo Dutse,” he said.

He said five suspected bandits, armed with machetes and a firearm, blocked the highway, attacked the vehicle and abducted 13 of the 20 passengers on board.

Mr Kiyawa said the police immediately mobilised a team of tactical police operatives to the scene, where they engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel.

“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,” he said.

He added that three victims, comprising one male and two females, remained in captivity.

The spokesman said the rescued victims were immediately evacuated to Doguwa General Hospital for medical evaluation.

He noted that the victims were in stable condition and receiving treatment.