Rio de Janeiro's gangs hijack buses to sow chaos in war with police

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Rio de Janeiro: Public buses have become a frequent target in the ongoing conflict between security forces and criminal groups in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

 Armed gangs are increasingly seizing vehicles to create transit blockades or set them on fire, primarily as a retaliatory tactic following police operations in the city’s favelas.

The strategy aims to paralyze mobility and prevent police reinforcements from entering certain neighborhoods. Recent data highlights a significant escalation in this practice: in 2025, 254 buses were hijacked to be used as barricades, a 100% increase over 2024. 

These incidents frequently follow high-profile police actions; for instance, a bus was set ablaze last month on a major thoroughfare immediately following the death of a drug kingpin during a raid.

The operational impact on the city is substantial. A recent study noted that between 2023 and mid-2025, transport disruptions prevented approximately 190,000 students from reaching school.

Furthermore, transit companies report that each hijacking forces dozens of other buses to stall or reroute, often in areas where no alternative roads exist. While the state has increased security budgets and deployed surveillance technology for 2026, the frequent use of public infrastructure as a tactical shield continues to pose a persistent challenge for the city's mobility and economic stability.