Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has foiled an armed robbery attempt and prevented the abduction of motorists along the Kaduna-Zaria highway after engaging suspected robbers in a gun duel.
The agency’s Command Public Relations Officer, Sani Garba, disclosed the incident occurred at about 3am on Sunday near the NDLEA checkpoint close to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria as operatives were alerted after one of the motorists targeted by the suspected robbers escaped and raised the alarm at the checkpoint.
He explained that the suspects had blocked the highway and were attacking road users when the distressed motorist alerted officers 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 swift intervention disrupted the attack and prevented the suspected robbers from abducting motorists and other travellers using the road. He added that no kidnapping was recorded during the incident.
A video which later surfaced on social media showed several vehicles, including articulated trucks, abandoned along the highway in the aftermath of the encounter. Some of the trucks were seen with their engines still running while drivers and passengers were absent.
The footage also captured NDLEA personnel inspecting the vehicles and assessing the situation at the scene. An officer speaking in Hausa in the video stated that the suspects fled immediately they sighted the approaching security operatives.
Another officer was heard directing colleagues to gather abandoned belongings and load them into a truck for recovery and safekeeping.
Also Read:Â NDLEA arrests two cocaine couriers at Abuja airport
Garba reiterated the agency’s commitment to supporting other security agencies in safeguarding lives and property across the state urging members of the public to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious movements and activities, and cooperate with security personnel to enhance safety on the highway.
Also speaking on the incident, a senior operative of the Kaduna Vigilance Service, who requested anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly on the matter, confirmed that nobody was kidnapped during the attack.
The official said occupants of the abandoned vehicles later returned after the arrival of security operatives and continued their journeys.
He further revealed that security personnel had frustrated more than five separate attacks at the same location along the highway, preventing suspected criminals from carrying out their operations.
The Kaduna-Zaria highway has remained a major transit corridor but has also witnessed recurring security incidents over the years, including kidnappings, armed attacks and killings of travellers.
In December 2021, gunmen reportedly blocked the highway near Zaria and abducted more than 30 commuters, while in June of the same year bandits fleeing a military operation allegedly killed three people, including a traveller, in Dunki village along the route.
The security situation on the corridor has repeatedly sparked public concern, with motorists and transport operators raising alarm over attacks by armed groups.
Although the Kaduna State Government in August 2022 dismissed reports that bandits were operating along the highway and assured travellers that the route was safe, security agencies have continued efforts to maintain a presence on the road and prevent criminal attacks.
Despite such incidents, security agencies have maintained a presence on the corridor as part of efforts to curb criminal activities and reassure commuters.
NAN
