The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Kaduna-Zaria highway after its operatives engaged suspected robbers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee.
The incident occurred at about 3 a.m. on Sunday near the agency’s checkpoint close to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria.
The Kaduna Command Public Relations Officer, Sani Garba, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Thursday.
Garba said the operatives were alerted after one of the motorists reportedly escaped from the suspected 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, forcing them to abandon the operation and flee,” he said.
He said the swift intervention prevented the suspected robbers from abducting motorists or 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 following the encounter.
Some of the trucks were seen with their engines running, while their drivers and other occupants were apparently absent.
The footage also showed NDLEA operatives inspecting the abandoned vehicles and documenting the aftermath of the incident.
An officer speaking in Hausa in the video said the suspected robbers fled after sighting the approaching NDLEA personnel.
Another officer was heard directing colleagues to gather abandoned belongings and convey them in a truck for recovery.
Garba assured motorists of the command’s commitment to supporting other security agencies in protecting lives and property.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly, while calling on motorists to cooperate with security personnel.
Also speaking on the incident, a senior operative of the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KadVS), who spoke to NAN in Zaria on condition of anonymity, confirmed that nobody was kidnapped.
He said occupants of the abandoned vehicles had returned and continued their journeys after security operatives intervened.
The official further disclosed that the service had repelled more than five separate attacks at the same location along the highway in October, preventing suspected criminals from carrying out their operations.
