Police operatives have rescued nine kidnap victims from bandits in Kano State following a rescuing mission embarked upon to curb terrorism in the area.
The armed bandits were said to have attacked a commercial bus conveying the abducted passengers forcing the attackers to abandon some of their captives after officers confronted them.
Also, police confirmed that one additional victim escaped from the kidnappers, reducing the number of those still being held.
According to the command, three passengers, one man and two women, remain in captivity, while police officers have intensified efforts to secure their freedom.
It was gathered on Monday that the attack occurred at about 5:30 p.m. yesterday along the Jos–Kano highway at the Folgore Forest axis in Doguwa Local Government Area of Kano State.
Police said five suspected bandits, armed with machetes and a firearm, intercepted a Toyota Hiace bus bearing registration number BKK 6824 XA.
The vehicle was carrying 20 passengers, 13 of whom were initially taken away by the attackers.
Meanwhile, the rescued victims have been taken to a hospital for medical assessment and were confirmed to be in stable condition.
Police spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, said officers responded immediately after receiving information about the attack, adding that their rapid deployment disrupted the kidnappers’ operation.
“Our tactical teams acted without delay after the distress report reached us.
“Their prompt response led to the rescue of nine victims, while another passenger managed to escape from the bandits,” he said.
The command credited the success of the rescue operation to the prompt mobilisation of tactical operatives by the Divisional Police
Officer in Doguwa following a distress alert.
Kiyawa also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, praised motorists and residents whose timely information assisted the security operation.
“The command appreciates members of the public who promptly alerted security agencies. Their cooperation significantly contributed to the rescue mission,” he said.
He added that additional tactical teams had been deployed, while intelligence-led operations and a coordinated manhunt were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and arrest those responsible for the attack.
The police further urged residents to continue providing credible information on suspicious activities through the nearest police station or designated emergency lines, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property through community-based policing.