Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Kaduna-Zaria highway in Nigeria. According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the incident occurred at about 3am on Sunday near the agency's checkpoint close to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Zaria. The swift intervention of NDLEA operatives prevented the suspected robbers from abducting motorists and other road users.
The Command's spokesman, Sani Garba, stated that the operatives were alerted after one of the motorists escaped from the suspected robbers and raised the alarm. The armed robbers had blocked the highway, but their operation was disrupted when the NDLEA operatives engaged them in a gun duel, forcing them to abandon their plans and flee. Fortunately, no abduction was recorded during the incident.
A video circulating on social media shows several vehicles, including articulated trucks, abandoned along the highway after the encounter. The footage depicts NDLEA operatives inspecting the vehicles and documenting the aftermath of the incident. The video also shows an officer speaking in Hausa, stating that the suspected robbers fled upon sighting the approaching NDLEA personnel.
Sani 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 promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies. Additionally, he called on motorists to cooperate with security personnel to improve safety along the highway.
A senior operative of the Kaduna Vigilance Service, who spoke to NAN in Zaria on condition of anonymity, confirmed that nobody was kidnapped during the incident. The operative stated that occupants of the abandoned vehicles had returned and continued their journeys after security operatives intervened. The service had reportedly repelled more than five separate attacks at the same location along the highway in October.
The Kaduna-Zaria highway has a history of attacks by armed groups, including incidents of kidnapping and killing of travellers. The NDLEA's successful intervention in this incident demonstrates the agency's commitment to ensuring the safety of motorists and road users. The agency's efforts to prevent crime and protect lives and property are ongoing.
The NDLEA's foiling of the armed robbery attempt is a significant success in the fight against crime in Nigeria. The agency's collaboration with other security agencies and the public is crucial in preventing future incidents. Motorists and road users can feel safer with the knowledge that security agencies are working to protect them.
Key points
- NDLEA operatives foiled an armed robbery attempt along the Kaduna-Zaria highway, preventing abduction of motorists.
- The incident occurred near the NDLEA's checkpoint close to Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic in Zaria.
- The Kaduna-Zaria highway has a history of attacks by armed groups, including kidnapping and killing of travellers.
