Panic broke out near Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, after a bag containing live ammunition reportedly fell from a moving vehicle suspected to be operated by bandits.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident happened close to the university gate when the occupants of the vehicle believed to be armed men sped off before anyone could confront them. The sudden sight of ammunition spilling onto the road caused immediate alarm among pedestrians and motorists.
One eyewitness, identified simply as Musa, said the ammunition fell from a commercial vehicle heading toward Katsina.
“We suddenly saw the bullets drop from the bus as it sped past the gate. Before anyone could understand what was happening, the vehicle had already vanished,” he recounted.
Musa added that several bystanders quickly secured the ammunition and alerted nearby security personnel.
A student who witnessed the incident but preferred to remain anonymous described the scene as “strange and frightening,” noting that many feared the abandoned ammunition was part of supplies meant for bandits operating across Kaduna and Katsina States.
A viral video from the scene shows the ammunition scattered across the road as passersby attempted to move it aside with their feet, despite warnings from someone in the background urging them not to touch it.
Security analyst platform Zagazola Makama later confirmed that security operatives arrived at the scene and successfully recovered the ammunition.
This incident comes amid escalating insecurity in the region. Within the last 10 days, more than 402 people mostly schoolchildren have been kidnapped in Niger, Kebbi, Kwara, and Borno States. While some victims have been rescued, over 200 pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri in Niger State remain in captivity.
