Panic as six Defence Ministry Directors kidnapped by gunmen in expressway ambush
Panic as six Defence Ministry Directors kidnapped by gunmen in expressway ambush
Tension has gripped the Federal Civil Service following the abduction of six Directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence by suspected gunmen along the Kabba–Lokoja highway.
The officials were reportedly kidnapped on Monday, November 10, 2025, while travelling from Lagos to Abuja to sit for a Directorate-level promotion examination. Sources described the attack as a well-coordinated ambush.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), raising renewed concerns about the safety of public servants required to travel long distances for official duties.
In a statement, ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo condemned the abduction and assured members that efforts were underway to secure the release of the victims.
“Those kidnapped are Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C.A. Emeribe, Mrs. C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien. These Directors, who are members of our Union and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped,” the statement said.
The ASCSN revealed that the Defence Ministry has mobilized security operatives who are actively working to rescue the abducted officials.
“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states instead of compelling public service employees to travel long distances to Abuja,” the union said. “The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks.”
The union urged the government to decentralize all promotion and verification exercises moving forward, warning that continued disregard for safety could result in further tragedies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has reportedly intensified efforts to locate the victims, deploying specialized teams to comb suspected hideouts in Kogi State.
The ASCSN commended the Ministry’s swift response and called on security agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safe return of the abducted Directors.
