NDLEA Stops Robbery Attempt on Kaduna-Zaria Highway

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has confirmed that its officers stopped an armed robbery on the Kaduna-Zaria highway.

Sani Garba, the Command Public Relations Officer, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna on Thursday that the robbery happened around 3am on Sunday. It took place near the agency’s checkpoint close to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Zaria.

Garba said the officers were alerted after one of the motorists escaped from the 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. This forced them to abandon the operation and flee," he said.

He mentioned that their quick action kept the robbers from abducting motorists and other road users. He added that no abduction was recorded.

A video shared on social media showed many vehicles, including large trucks, left behind on the highway after the incident.

Some trucks were seen running with their engines on, while their drivers and passengers were missing.

The footage also showed NDLEA operatives checking the vehicles and documenting what happened.

An officer speaking in Hausa in the video said the robbers ran away when they saw the NDLEA personnel approaching.

Another officer was heard telling his colleagues to collect the abandoned belongings and load them in a truck for recovery.

Garba assured motorists that the command is dedicated to working with other security agencies to keep lives and property safe.

He urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to security agencies. He also asked motorists to cooperate with security staff to ensure safety along the highway.

A senior officer from the Kaduna Vigilance Service, who wanted to remain anonymous, also spoke on the incident. He confirmed to NAN in Zaria that nobody was kidnapped during the attack.

The officer stated that the people in the abandoned vehicles returned and continued their journeys after security operatives intervened.

He added that the service has stopped more than five attacks at the same spot along the highway in October, preventing suspected criminals from carrying out their plans.

The Kaduna-Zaria highway has seen previous attacks by armed groups, including kidnappings and killings of travelers.

In December 2021, gunmen blocked the highway and kidnapped over 30 commuters near Zaria.

In June of the same year, bandits fleeing a military operation killed three people, including a traveler, in Dunki village along the route.

In August 2022, the Kaduna State Government dismissed claims of bandits operating along the Kaduna-Zaria highway. They called it an effort to cause panic and assured travelers that the road was safe.