Relief For Kaduna Residents After Zakka Family’s Release

Some residents of Millennium City and communities along Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Way in Kaduna metropolis have expressed relief following the rescue of the kidnapped Zakka family and increased security presence in vulnerable neighbourhoods.

The development comes as security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS), intensify efforts to tackle recurring house-to-house abductions through coordinated patrols, neighbourhood watch and intelligence gathering.

Residents said the presence of armed vigilantes and other security operatives around their homes was encouraging some families who had fled following repeated kidnappings to begin returning.

Some residents of Baban Saura, Angwan Makama, Bagado and Karji had fled their homes amid fears of further attacks, highlighting persistent concerns about the safety of communities on the outskirts of Kaduna metropolis.

A credible NSCDC source, who spoke in confidence, said the Millennium City outpost was collaborating with other security agencies to address the security challenges through coordinated operations.

According to the source, the corps was working with other security outfits, including the local security structures, to strengthen patrols, neighbourhood watch and intelligence gathering and sharing.

The source added that the collaborative approach aimed to improve security coverage and enable agencies to respond more effectively to emerging threats in affected communities.

Similarly, the Kaduna State Vigilance Service said it was strengthening its operational capacity to support the police and other security agencies in tackling insecurity across the state.

According to Zailani AJ Musa, the service was making steady progress under the leadership of its head, Ali Audu (rtd.), a former Commissioner of Police in Kaduna State appointed by Governor Uba Sani.

Musa said the state government had provided arms, ammunition, operational vehicles, motorcycles and other essential equipment to improve the service’s capacity to combat insecurity.

He added that personnel had undergone specialised training to establish an Armed Squad to support the police and other security agencies in responding to security threats.

According to him, the resources were intended to improve patrols, facilitate access to difficult terrains and ensure prompt responses to distress calls.

“Although security challenges persist, efforts are ongoing to address emerging threats,” Musa said.

He noted that KADVS had structures across all 255 wards of Kaduna State, urging residents to strengthen cooperation with the service and other security agencies by sharing timely intelligence and reporting suspicious activities.

“Security is a collective responsibility, and together we can achieve lasting peace and protect lives and property,” he added.

The intensified local security efforts follow the release of Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their six-month-old daughter, Fatima, on Thursday, October 15, nine days after they were abducted from their residence at Alrahus Estate, Millennium City, in Chikun local government area.

A tactical team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was reported to have secured the family’s release.

Reports said the couple and their daughter were receiving medical attention at a security medical facility after their rescue.

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

The abductors reportedly demanded N300 million for the family’s release.

Although details surrounding the circumstances of their release remained sketchy, the development brought relief to relatives and residents who had expressed fears over the growing threat of kidnappings in the area.

However, an unofficial source revealed that the family raised N15 million as ransom before they were freed by their captors.

Another unofficial source claimed that the said ransom paid by the family has been refunded by the government.

Former Kaduna Central senator and the All Progressives Candidate for Kaduna Senatorial Zone in the 2027 election, Shehu Sani, also commended the rescue efforts, describing the family’s release as a welcome development.

“It’s commendable to receive the report that the abducted Kaduna couple have regained their freedom.

“Kudos to the Kaduna State Government and the security agencies involved,” he said.

Sani urged those who had publicly raised concerns following the abduction to also acknowledge the efforts made to secure the family’s freedom.

“I hope those who raised a voice in the aftermath of the kidnapping will post and appreciate the efforts made to secure their freedom,” he added.

While the growing presence of security personnel and the collaboration between the NSCDC, KADVS and other agencies have offered some reassurance, the reported displacement of residents from other affected communities indicates that confidence in the security situation remains fragile.