N15m Ransom Paid For Zakka Family’s Release–Community Source

The family and friends of Ahmed Abubakar Zakka who was abducted alongside his wife and six-month-old daughter, Fatima, from their residence in Alrahus Estate, Millennium City, Chikun local government area of Kaduna State, allegedly paid N15 million ransom to secure their freedom.

The family was released on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following days of public outrage over their rescue and concerns over the safety of the infant.

A community source who spoke on condition of anonymity told our correspondent yesterday that the family raised N15 million for ransom and paid before their release.

The N15 million ransom claim differs from the official security account on the operation, leaving questions about the circumstances surrounding the family’s freedom.

The ransom claim however not be independently verified at the time of filing this report.

The abductors had reportedly demanded N300 million for the release of the family, with a video showing Zakka appealing for help while holding his distressed infant daughter, triggering public concern and renewed calls for security agencies to intervene.

Earlier, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was reported to have deployed a tactical team that secured the family’s release.

However, available reports did not establish whether ransom was paid or provide details of the negotiations that led to their freedom.