NDLEA Foils Armed Robbery Attempt on Kaduna-Zaria Highway, Suspects Escape

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Kaduna-Zaria highway after engaging suspected criminals in a gun battle near Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.

The agency’s Command Public Relations Officer, Sani Garba, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Thursday, saying it occurred at about 3am on Sunday near an NDLEA checkpoint.

Garba explained that the operatives were alerted after one of the motorists targeted by the suspected robbers escaped 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,” he said.

According to him, the operatives immediately moved to the scene and exchanged gunfire with the suspects, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee.

Garba said the intervention prevented the suspected criminals 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 after the encounter. Some of the trucks appeared to have their engines running, while their drivers and other occupants were nowhere to be seen.

The footage also showed NDLEA operatives inspecting the vehicles and documenting the scene. An officer speaking in Hausa said the suspected robbers fled after sighting the approaching security personnel, while another was heard directing colleagues to gather abandoned belongings for recovery.

Garba assured motorists that the NDLEA command would continue working with other security agencies to protect lives and property. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly and cooperate with security personnel.

A senior operative of the Kaduna Vigilance Service, who spoke to NAN in Zaria on condition of anonymity, also confirmed that 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 in October, preventing suspected criminals from carrying out their operations.

The Kaduna-Zaria highway has experienced previous attacks involving armed groups, including kidnappings 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, suspected 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 bandit activity along the highway, describing the claims as an attempt to create panic and assuring travellers that the road was safe.