National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives successfully thwarted an armed robbery attempt along the Kaduna-Zaria highway in Nigeria, preventing the abduction of motorists. The incident occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Sunday near the agency’s checkpoint close to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Zaria.
Sani Garba, the NDLEA Command’s spokesman in Kaduna, explained that the operation was triggered when a motorist managed to escape from the suspected robbers and raised the alarm. Garba stated that the armed suspects had blocked the highway before the escapee alerted NDLEA personnel stationed nearby. Upon arriving at the scene, the operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel, forcing the criminals to abandon their operation and flee.
Garba emphasized that the timely intervention prevented the suspected robbers from abducting motorists and other road users, confirming that no kidnappings were recorded during the encounter. He assured the public of the command’s commitment to supporting other security agencies in protecting lives and property, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities.
Video footage circulating on social media depicted the aftermath of the incident, showing several vehicles, including articulated trucks, abandoned along the highway. Some trucks were seen with their engines running, though their drivers and occupants were absent. The footage also captured NDLEA operatives inspecting the vehicles and documenting the scene, with one officer speaking in Hausa noting that the suspects fled upon seeing the approaching security personnel.
A senior operative of the Kaduna Vigilance Service, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on condition of anonymity, confirmed that nobody was kidnapped and that occupants of the abandoned vehicles had returned to continue their journeys after security forces intervened. The operative 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 been the site of previous attacks by armed groups, including incidents involving the kidnapping and killing of travelers. In light of these recurring threats, Garba called on motorists to cooperate with security personnel to improve safety along the route, allowing people to go about their normal businesses.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>