Kaduna Kidnapping: Couple, Six-Month-Old Baby Regain Freedom After Nine Days in Captivity

An abducted couple and their six-month-old daughter have regained their freedom after spending nine days in the hands of kidnappers, bringing relief to their family and renewed attention to the security challenges facing residents of Kaduna State.

The victims, identified as Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their infant daughter, Fatima, were released on Thursday, October 15, 2026, according to reports confirmed by a security source to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The family was abducted from their residence in Alrahus Estate, Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on the night of October 6.

A retired security officer who said he had been involved in efforts to secure their release told Nigerian media that the family was returning to Kaduna metropolis in a vehicle driven by his driver. He attributed their freedom to the efforts of his team and private individuals.

The circumstances surrounding the release remain unclear. It has not been independently established whether ransom was paid or whether security agencies played a direct role in securing the family’s freedom.

The abduction attracted widespread public concern after a video showing Zakka holding his crying infant while an armed man pointed a firearm at him circulated on social media.

In the footage, Zakka reportedly appealed for help and said the kidnappers were demanding ₦300 million for the family’s release. The demand, as reported, highlighted the financial pressure such incidents place on families trying to secure the freedom of loved ones.

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The case drew particular sympathy because the couple were reportedly married for six years before the birth of their daughter. The infant’s presence in the footage intensified public outrage and calls for urgent intervention.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who is the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, had called on security agencies to act swiftly to rescue the family and other Nigerians still held in captivity. He described the footage as disturbing and said no family should have to plead for its safety while in the hands of criminals.

The release of the Zakka family offers relief, but concerns over kidnappings in Millennium City and neighbouring communities remain. Other reported incidents in the area have raised questions about residents’ safety and the ability of security agencies to prevent armed groups from invading homes.

The Kaduna State Police Command previously announced intensified clearance operations, targeted raids and patrols in Millennium City and Maraban Rido, in collaboration with other security agencies. The command also reported arrests of suspected kidnappers and alleged informants during operations in the area. However, no confirmed link between those arrests and the abduction of the Zakka family has been established.

The latest development underscores the need for sustained security measures to protect residents, improve emergency response and prevent further abductions.

While the family’s release marks a positive outcome after days of uncertainty, the circumstances surrounding their captivity and freedom remain unclear. Attention is now turning to the safety of other people reportedly held by kidnappers and the need to ensure that residents of Kaduna communities can live without the persistent fear of abduction.