NDLEA operatives foil armed robbery attempt in Zaria
NDLEA Foils Armed Robbery Attempt on Kaduna-Zaria Highway
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) thwarted an armed robbery attempt early Sunday along the Kaduna-Zaria highway, near Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Zaria.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Sani Garba, the incident occurred around 3 a.m. He detailed that the operation was initiated after a motorist escaped from the suspected robbers and alerted nearby agency personnel.
Garba explained that the highway had been blocked by the armed suspects when the motorist managed to escape. Responding swiftly, NDLEA operatives engaged the robbers in a gunfight, which led to the suspects fleeing the scene.
The timely intervention by NDLEA operatives prevented any kidnappings, with no abductions reported during the incident. Videos circulating on social media captured multiple vehicles, including large trucks, left abandoned along the highway post-incident. Some trucks were seen with their engines still running, while drivers and occupants appeared to have vacated the vehicles.
In the footage, NDLEA personnel inspected the abandoned vehicles and documented the aftermath. An officer, speaking in Hausa, noted that the robbers fled upon seeing approaching NDLEA forces. Another officer was observed directing colleagues to gather the abandoned items for recovery.
Garba reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with other security organizations to ensure the safety of lives and property along the highway. He urged the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies. He also called on motorists to cooperate with security personnel in order to enhance safety along the route.
A senior operative from the Kaduna Vigilance Service, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that no individuals were kidnapped during the incident. He noted that the occupants of the abandoned vehicles returned to continue their journeys after security operatives intervened. The officer added that this location had experienced more than five similar attacks in October, all of which were repelled by security forces.
The Kaduna-Zaria highway has a history of incidents involving armed groups, including kidnappings and assaults on travelers.
