A Katsina businessman, his seven-month pregnant wife, and their two-year-old daughter have been released after spending 21 harrowing days in captivity.
The victims, identified as Anas Ahmadu, his wife Halimatu, and their little girl, were freed on Wednesday night, September 17, following a ransom payment of ₦50 million.
A relative of the family confirmed the development to Daily Trust, saying: “Alhamdulillah! Anas, Halimatu, and their daughter have been released by their captors tonight. They are on their way home. But a ransom of N50 million was paid to the assailants.”
The family was abducted on August 26, 2025, from their residence in Filin Canada Quarters, Katsina metropolis. Their kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ₦600 million for their release, before reducing the figure to ₦100 million on September 3. Negotiations eventually settled at ₦50 million.
For security reasons, the family has not disclosed details of where the handover took place.
Katsina, like many states in north-western Nigeria, has been plagued by a surge in kidnappings for ransom, with criminal gangs routinely targeting businesspeople, their families, and travellers.
Security analysts say the latest case underscores both the scale of the crisis and the enormous financial burdens communities are forced to bear to secure the safety of loved ones.
