Six senior directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence were abducted on November 10, 2025, along the Kabba-Lokoja highway in Kogi State while traveling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination.
The attack, described by sources as a carefully planned ambush, was carried out by armed men who blocked the highway, making escape impossible for the officials.
Reports indicate that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N150 million for the release of all six victims. Relatives of the abducted officials expressed shock and despair over the demand, pleading for the safe return of their loved ones.
“We are still traumatised by what happened. Now the kidnappers are asking for N150 million to release all six of them. How can we possibly raise such a huge sum? We beg them to free our loved ones unharmed; that is all we can plead for at this point,” one family member said.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), in a statement signed by President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo, condemned the abduction and assured members that all efforts are underway to secure the officials’ release.
The abducted directors have been identified as Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C. Emeribe, Mrs. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C. Ladoye, Mrs. J. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine Essien, all senior staff at Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.
According to the ASCSN, the Ministry of Defence has launched a coordinated response, engaging security agencies and relevant stakeholders to expedite the safe rescue of the abducted officials.