The family and associates of Ahmed Abubakar Zakka reportedly paid ₦15 million to secure the release of him, his wife and their six-month-old daughter, Fatima, who were abducted from their residence in Kaduna State.

A community source disclosed that the ransom was raised before the family regained their freedom on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following days of captivity and public concern over their safety.

The family was abducted on October 6 when armed men invaded Alrahus Estate in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and reportedly moved from house to house, taking residents hostage.

The incident attracted widespread attention after a video emerged showing Zakka holding his crying infant daughter while appealing for assistance, as one of the armed abductors pointed a gun at him.

In the footage, Zakka appealed to Nigerians to help secure his family’s freedom, disclosing that the kidnappers were demanding ₦300 million in ransom.

The reported ₦15 million payment, however, has not been independently verified, and the circumstances surrounding the family’s eventual release remain unclear.

Earlier reports indicated that a tactical team from the Office of the National Security Adviser had been deployed to facilitate the family’s rescue.

However, details of the negotiations and the precise role played by security agencies in securing their freedom have not been fully established.

The conflicting accounts have raised questions about whether ransom was paid and how the family ultimately regained their freedom.

The release brought relief to relatives and residents who had expressed fears over the family’s safety, particularly that of the infant, following the circulation of the distressing video.

The incident has also renewed concerns about recurring kidnappings in Millennium City and neighbouring communities on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis, where residents have continued to call for stronger security measures.