NDLEA Operatives Repel Armed Robbers on Kaduna-Zaria Highway, Prevent Possible Kidnapping
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Boniface Desmond
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Kaduna-Zaria Highway after engaging suspected gunmen in a gun duel near a security checkpoint close to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.
The incident reportedly occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday when suspected armed robbers blocked the highway and attempted to attack motorists travelling along the route.
The NDLEA Command Public Relations Officer in Kaduna, Sani Garba, confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
Garba said the security operatives were alerted to the attack after one of the motorists reportedly escaped from the suspected criminals and raised the alarm at the nearby NDLEA checkpoint.
According to him, the motorist informed the officers that armed men had blocked the highway, prompting the operatives to immediately mobilise to the scene.
He explained that the NDLEA personnel confronted the suspects upon arrival, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that forced the attackers to abandon their operation and flee.
Garba said the timely intervention prevented the suspected robbers from abducting motorists and other road users travelling along the highway.
He further confirmed that no person was kidnapped during the incident.
A video circulating on social media after the incident showed several vehicles, including articulated trucks, abandoned along the highway following the security operation.
Some of the vehicles were reportedly left with their engines running, while their drivers and other occupants were initially absent from the scene.
The footage also showed NDLEA operatives inspecting the abandoned vehicles and documenting the situation.
In the video, an officer speaking in Hausa explained that the suspected criminals fled after noticing the arrival of the security personnel.
A senior operative of the Kaduna Vigilance Service, who spoke anonymously to NAN in Zaria, also confirmed that no traveller was abducted during the incident.
The operative disclosed that the occupants of the abandoned vehicles later returned after the security intervention and continued their journeys.
He further revealed that the vigilance service had successfully repelled more than five separate attacks at the same location in October, preventing suspected criminals from carrying out their operations.
Garba assured motorists that the NDLEA would continue collaborating with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property along the Kaduna-Zaria corridor.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements and cooperate with security personnel to prevent criminal activities.
History of Attacks Along Kaduna-Zaria Highway
The Kaduna-Zaria Highway has experienced repeated security challenges, with previous incidents involving armed attacks, kidnappings and killings of travellers.
In December 2021, suspected gunmen reportedly blocked sections of the highway and abducted more than 30 commuters near Zaria, raising concerns about the safety of motorists using the route.
Similarly, in June 2021, suspected bandits fleeing a military operation reportedly killed three people, including a traveller, in Dunki village along the highway.
The recurring attacks have continued to attract security concerns from residents, commuters and other road users, particularly those travelling at night.
However, in August 2022, the Kaduna State Government dismissed reports that bandits were operating along the highway, describing the claims as an attempt to create panic among residents and travellers.
The government subsequently assured the public that the road was safe for commuters.
The latest incident highlights the importance of sustained security operations and cooperation among relevant agencies to prevent attacks on major transportation routes in Kaduna State.
Security authorities have continued to encourage motorists to report suspicious activities and avoid ignoring security warnings while travelling along vulnerable highways.
The NDLEA has reiterated its commitment to working with other security agencies to prevent criminal activities and ensure the safety of commuters and other road users.
