We can use zakat in release of the captives?

Answer By Dr Zakir Naik In the context of today if there are some Muslim captives who are prisoners of war and if some money can be given to the people who are held them captive and if they free them then Zakaat money can be used to free the Muslims.
5th category mentioned in Surah Tawbah ch. 9 verse no. 60 which says 'can be used for 'riqab' i.e. freeing the captives.There is a Hadith which is mentioned in Musnad Ahmad Vol. no. 4 Hadith no. 18647 where "Once a person comes to Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) and asks him that "What things should I do that will take me closer to Jannah i.e. paradise and take me away from hell?" So the Prophet tells him that "set free a life and liberate a slave."