The Kogi State Police Command says its operatives have arrested seven kidnap suspects, rescued one victim, while intensifying efforts to release other abductees.

Kogi State Police spokesperson, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, issued a press release on Thursday detailing an armed attack on a Chisco Transport Toyota Hiace bus (reg. KJA 405 YJ) travelling from Lagos to Abuja on April 13, 2026, along Ayere–Kabba Road.

ASP Afusat said security forces rescued one passenger (Adoun Julius, 56), recovered the vehicle, arrested seven suspects, and are conducting joint bush-combing operations with military and other agencies for the remaining victims.

“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,” the statement read.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Chisco Transport Company, with registration number KJA 405 YJ, en route from Lagos to Abuja, was attacked by armed hoodlums.

“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.

“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, ASP Afusat said seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently assisting ongoing investigations.

According to her, 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.

She added that these operations are being vigorously pursued, and further developments will be communicated in due course.

Accompanying photos show the recovered bus, a burnt structure likely linked to the incident, and tactical teams actively searching forested terrain while the public has been urged to report tips via provided hotlines.

“Members of the public are hereby urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative, and to promptly provide any credible information that may assist ongoing operations, with assurances that all information received will be treated with the strictest confidence,” the Kogi State Police spokesperson said.

Families or relatives of the victims have also been advised to report to the Headquarters of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Lokoja, particularly the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, to assist in proper identification and ongoing investigations.

The Kogi State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property and warned criminal elements to desist forthwith, as the full weight of the law will be decisively brought to bear on anyone found culpable.

“Members of the public are further encouraged to report any suspicious activities through the Command’s control room numbers: 0703 832 9084, 0815 219 5982,” the statement added. (The Guardian)

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