A couple, Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their six-month-old daughter, Fatima, have regained their freedom nine days after they were abducted by gunmen from their residence in Kaduna State.
The family was released on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following their abduction from Millennium City, in the Chikun Local Government Area of the state, on October 6.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), citing a reliable security source in Kaduna, confirmed the family’s release. However, details surrounding the circumstances of their freedom were not immediately available.
Another report quoted a retired security officer, who reportedly worked with a team involved in securing the family’s release, as saying the victims were on their way back to Kaduna metropolis in a vehicle driven by his driver.
The officer attributed the outcome to the efforts of his team and private individuals. It remained unclear whether a ransom was paid or whether security agencies played a direct role in securing the family’s release.
The family’s abduction attracted widespread attention after a video circulated on social media showing Zakka holding his infant daughter while an armed man stood nearby with a firearm pointed at him. His wife was also seen in the footage as the family appealed for help.
According to reports, the kidnappers allegedly demanded ₦300 million for the family’s release. The demand heightened public concern over the growing threat of kidnapping and the vulnerability of families in affected communities.
The involvement of a six-month-old infant drew particular condemnation, with many Nigerians calling on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and prevent similar incidents.
The incident also attracted reactions from former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who called on security agencies to act swiftly to secure the family’s release.
In a statement, Atiku described the footage as disturbing and expressed concern over the continued threat posed by kidnappers to lives and families across the country.
He urged the authorities to take decisive action to rescue the abducted family and other Nigerians still being held captive.
The incident has renewed concerns about the security situation in Millennium City and other communities within Chikun Local Government Area, where residents have faced reported cases of armed attacks and kidnappings.
According to publication, the Zakka family’s abduction was among several incidents contributing to anxiety in the area. The publication also reported that Kaduna State Police Command had announced intensified clearance operations, targeted raids and patrols around Millennium City and Maraban Rido.
According to the report, the police announced the arrest of 12 suspects, comprising eight suspected kidnappers and four alleged informants, as well as the recovery of firearms. However, no confirmed link between those arrests and the abduction of the Zakka family was established in the report.
The latest development underscores the continuing challenge facing security agencies in protecting residents, preventing kidnappings and securing the release of victims.
Relief for family, but questions remain
The release of Zakka, his wife and their infant daughter will come as a relief to their relatives and others who followed the case.
Nevertheless, important details remain unclear, including the precise circumstances of their release, whether any ransom was paid and the extent of the involvement of security agencies.
As of October 16, 2026, the family’s reported freedom represents a positive development in a case that generated widespread public concern. It also reinforces calls for sustained efforts to improve security in Kaduna State and protect communities from further abductions.