NDLEA operatives foil armed robbery attempt on Kaduna-Zaria highway
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineOperatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Kaduna-Zaria highway, forcing suspected criminals to flee after a gun duel.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sani Garba, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Thursday.
Garba said the incident occurred at about 3am on Sunday near the agency’s checkpoint close to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.
He explained that the operatives were alerted after one of the motorists reportedly escaped from the suspected robbers and raised the alarm.
“Some armed robbers had blocked the highway when one of their victims managed to escape and alerted our men stationed nearby.
“Our operatives immediately moved to the scene and engaged the suspects in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee,” he said.
Garba said the intervention prevented the suspects from abducting motorists and other road users, adding that no kidnapping was recorded during the incident.
A video circulating on social media showed several vehicles, including articulated trucks, abandoned along the highway following the encounter.
Some of the trucks were seen with their engines running, while their drivers and other occupants were apparently absent.
The footage also captured NDLEA operatives inspecting the vehicles and documenting the scene after the suspected robbers fled.
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An officer speaking in Hausa in the video said the suspects took to their heels after sighting the approaching NDLEA personnel.
Another officer was heard directing colleagues to gather abandoned belongings and convey them in a truck for recovery.
Garba assured motorists that the command would continue to support other security agencies in protecting lives and property.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies, while calling on motorists to cooperate with security personnel to improve safety along the highway.
Also speaking on the incident, a senior operative of the Kaduna Vigilance Service, who spoke to NAN in Zaria on condition of anonymity, confirmed that nobody was kidnapped.
The official said the occupants of the abandoned vehicles had returned and continued their journeys after the security intervention.
He further disclosed that the service had repelled more than five separate attacks at the same location along the highway in October, preventing suspected criminals from carrying out their operations.
The Kaduna-Zaria highway has previously recorded attacks by armed groups, including incidents involving the kidnapping and killing of travellers.
In December 2021, gunmen reportedly blocked the highway and abducted more than 30 commuters near Zaria.
In June of the same year, bandits fleeing a military operation reportedly killed three people, including a traveller, in Dunki village along the route.
However, in August 2022, the Kaduna State Government dismissed reports of bandits operating along the highway, describing the claims as an attempt to create panic and assuring travellers that the road was safe.
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