How NDLEA foiled robbery attempt on Kaduna-Zaria highway — Official

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has confirmed that its operatives foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Kaduna-Zaria highway.

The Command Public Relations Officer, Sani Garba, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna on Thursday that the incident occurred at about 3am on Sunday near the agency’s checkpoint close to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.

Garba said 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.

He said the intervention prevented the suspected robbers from abducting motorists and other road users, adding that no abduction was recorded.

A video circulating on social media showed several vehicles, including articulated trucks, abandoned along the highway after the encounter.

Some of the trucks were seen with their engines running, while their drivers and other occupants were apparently absent.

The footage also showed NDLEA operatives inspecting the vehicles and documenting the aftermath of the incident.

An officer speaking in Hausa in the video said the suspected robbers fled upon sighting the approaching NDLEA personnel.

Another officer was heard directing colleagues to gather abandoned belongings and convey them in a truck for recovery.

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Garba assured motorists of the command’s commitment to supporting other security agencies in protecting lives and property.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies. He also called 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, said nobody was kidnapped during the incident.

The official said occupants of the abandoned vehicles had returned and continued their journeys after security operatives intervened.

He added 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 recorded previous attacks by armed groups, including incidents of kidnapping and killings 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.

In August 2022, however, the Kaduna State Government dismissed reports of bandits operating along the Kaduna-Zaria highway, calling the claims an attempt to create panic and assuring travellers the road was safe.

NAN