Suspected bandits have reportedly demanded ₦500 million for the release of a pregnant woman identified as Jamila, who remains in captivity following the abduction of several residents from a housing estate in Kaduna State. The demand emerged after another family taken during the same attack regained freedom, drawing renewed attention to the woman’s continued detention.
Jamila was abducted during an attack on Alrahus Estate in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on October 6, 2026. The gunmen also kidnapped Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their six-month-old daughter, Fatima. While Zakka and his family were released on Thursday, October 15, Jamila was still being held, according to security analyst and conflict reporter Bakatsine.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday night, Bakatsine disclosed that the abductors had contacted Jamila’s husband and demanded ₦500 million for her release. He appealed to security agencies, government authorities and members of the public to continue paying attention to her case despite the release of the other victims.
The security reporter said Jamila had also reportedly sent a distress message expressing fears for her life. He did not provide details establishing when the message was sent, how it was delivered or whether negotiations with the abductors were continuing.
Bakatsine urged the authorities to intervene and secure the woman’s freedom, emphasising that she remained in captivity while pregnant. His appeal followed widespread reporting of the release of Zakka, his wife and their infant daughter after approximately nine days in captivity.
The circumstances surrounding Jamila’s abduction were previously described by her husband, identified in earlier reports as Abdulkadir Bello. Bello said he was in Abuja when armed men attacked their residential estate in Kaduna.
According to his account, his wife telephoned him at approximately 11:30 p.m. to report that armed men were attempting to force their way into their compound. He said he immediately attempted to contact the police but was unable to reach them.
Bello subsequently contacted military personnel, who reportedly deployed to the area. However, the attackers had already succeeded in abducting his wife. He later confirmed receiving a ransom demand from those holding her, although the amount was not specified in the earlier accounts.
The latest reported demand of ₦500 million was disclosed by Bakatsine following the release of the Zakka family. The amount has not been independently verified through a statement from the police, military or Jamila’s husband.
The October 6 attack affected multiple households within Alrahus Estate. Reports indicated that armed men entered the residential area late at night and moved between properties in search of people to abduct.
Zakka, his wife and their daughter were taken from their home during the incident. Their abduction subsequently attracted widespread attention after a video circulated online showing the family pleading for assistance while being held by armed men.
In the recording, Zakka was seen carrying his crying daughter while a man holding a firearm stood nearby. His wife was also present as the couple appealed for help.
Zakka identified himself in the footage and said the kidnappers were demanding ₦300 million for the family’s release. The video prompted public concern and calls for security agencies to intervene.
The family eventually regained freedom on October 15. According to reports published by Daily Trust and Blueprint, a retired security officer involved in efforts to secure their release confirmed that the three had been freed and were returning towards Kaduna metropolis.
The circumstances surrounding their release were not fully disclosed. In particular, there was no verified information establishing whether the ₦300 million demanded by their abductors had been paid.
Their release did not include Jamila, whose continued captivity became the subject of Bakatsine’s subsequent appeal.
The security reporter called on Nigerians not to overlook her situation simply because the family whose video attracted widespread attention had returned home.
He also appealed to government authorities and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure her release, highlighting the circumstances of her pregnancy.
The reported ₦500 million demand is separate from the ₦300 million previously demanded for Zakka and his family. Both amounts were attributed to the kidnappers in accounts of the incident, but neither has been independently established as a payment.
As of Friday, October 16, there was no publicly verified confirmation that Jamila had been released. There was also no detailed official statement identifying her captors or explaining the status of any operation specifically intended to secure her freedom.
The incident has drawn attention to the security situation in Millennium City, where residents have experienced attacks involving armed intruders and abductions from residential properties.
Earlier reports of the Alrahus Estate attack described concerns about the ability of residents to obtain emergency assistance while the gunmen were operating within the neighbourhood.
Bello’s account of his attempts to contact security personnel forms part of those concerns, although it does not establish the full response undertaken by the authorities that night.
The latest development leaves the reported ransom demand and Jamila’s continued detention at the centre of the case.
Her husband’s earlier account established that he was contacted by the kidnappers, while Bakatsine’s subsequent statement supplied the reported ₦500 million figure and information about her distress message.
Further confirmation from the family or security authorities would be necessary to establish the current state of negotiations and any developments concerning her release.
For now, the confirmed release of Zakka, his wife and their daughter stands in contrast to reports that Jamila remains with the abductors.
Her continued detention has prompted renewed appeals for intervention, with attention focused on securing her safe return and establishing the circumstances surrounding the outstanding kidnapping case.
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