Gunmen in Katsina State have demanded a ransom of ₦600 million for a man, his wife, and their young daughter who were kidnapped from their home.

The victims, identified as 33-year-old Anas Ahmadu, his wife Halimat, and their daughter Jidda, were taken from their residence at Filin Canada Quarters in Sabuwar Unguwa, Katsina city, on the morning of Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

During the attack, a 25-year-old vigilante member, Abdullahi Muhammad, lost his life while trying to rescue the family from the armed men. The attackers escaped before security officers could arrive.

A family insider, who asked not to be named, told Daily Trust that the kidnappers used Anas’ phone to reach out to Halimat’s uncle, Malam Ibrahim, demanding the huge ransom.

The relative explained that the family had already informed the kidnappers that they could not afford such an amount.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Katsina State, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, confirmed the abduction. He stated that the Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, personally visited the crime scene and ordered the deployment of extra officers and resources to help track down the kidnappers and rescue the hostages.

According to the police statement, the attack happened at around 3:00 am. The armed men stormed the house, kidnapped the couple and their daughter, and fatally shot vigilante Abdullahi Muhammad before fleeing the scene.

Police officers later arrived to restore calm to the area and began investigations immediately.

The Commissioner of Police also inspected the scene with other senior officers, including the anti-kidnapping unit, to ensure swift action.

The Katsina State Police Command has appealed to residents to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or call the command’s emergency numbers. They assured the public that any information provided will remain confidential.