Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that security operatives are actively working to rescue passengers abducted during a kidnapping incident along the Ayere–Kabba Road in Kogi State.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, said the attack occurred on April 13, 2026, at about 8:30 pm, when armed hoodlums intercepted a commercial bus travelling from Lagos to Abuja.
According to the statement, “The Kogi State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, psc, mni, wishes to inform members of the public that the Command is fully on top of the kidnapping incident that occurred on 13th April, 2026, at about 2030hrs along Ayere–Kabba Road, inward Kabba Local Government Area of Kogi State.”
Police said preliminary findings showed that a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Chisco Transport Company with registration number KJA 405 YJ was attacked during the journey.
The command disclosed that security operatives responded swiftly to the incident, leading to the rescue of one victim and recovery of the vehicle.
“Following a prompt and coordinated response by security operatives, one victim, Adoun Julius (M), 56 years, was successfully rescued, while the vehicle was recovered and taken to the Police station for further necessary action,” the statement added.
Authorities also confirmed that search operations are ongoing, with joint teams of police, military, and other security agencies combing surrounding forests to locate the remaining victims.
“Efforts have been intensified to secure the release of the remaining abducted passengers, with sustained bush-combing and search-and-rescue operations currently ongoing by joint operatives of the Police, the Military, and other sister security agencies,” the command stated.
The police further revealed that seven suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently assisting investigators.
“Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently assisting ongoing investigations,” the statement said.
The command urged residents to remain calm and support ongoing rescue efforts by providing useful information. Families of the victims were also directed to report to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lokoja for proper identification and investigation.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property, warning criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law.
Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspicious movements through the command’s control room numbers: 0703 832 9084 and 0815 219 5982.
