Gunmen kidnap passengers along Kogi highway

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of passengers travelling along the Ayere–Kabba Road in Kogi State.

In a statement issued in Lokoja, the State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, disclosed that the incident occurred on April 13, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m.

According to him, the victims were travelling in a Lagos–Abuja Toyota Hiace bus when armed attackers intercepted the vehicle. The assailants reportedly flagged down the bus, overpowered the passengers, and forcefully took them to an unknown destination.

The statement was, however, silence on number of victims involved in the kidnap incident, noting that proper investigation was ongoing to that effect.

He said, a kidnap victim, Adoun Julius (M), 56 years, was successfully rescued, while the vehicle was recovered and taken to the police station for further actions.

According to the police, the attacked Toyota Hiace bus was in the fleet of Chisco Transport Company, with registration number KJA 405 YJ; and was on its way from Lagos to Abuja.

A statement signed by Kogi State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, noted that efforts had been intensified to secure the release of the 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.

“So far, seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently assisting ongoing investigations.

“The Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), supported by other tactical teams, remains actively engaged in ensuring the safe rescue of the victims and the swift apprehension of perpetrators.”

However, the police command urged
members of the public to remain calm and promptly provide credible information that may assist ongoing operations.

CP Kankarofi assured that all information received will be treated with strict confidence.

The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the state police command to the protection of lives and property, warning criminal elements to desist forthwith, or risk the full weight of the law.

Meanwhile, the command advised families or relatives of the victims to report to the Headquarters of the SCID, Lokoja, particularly the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, to assist in proper identification and ongoing investigations.