Tension as gunmen kidnap six Defence Ministry officials en-route Abuja

Tension has spread across the Federal Civil Service following the abduction of six directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence by suspected gunmen along the Kaba–Lokoja highway.

The senior officials were reportedly kidnapped on Monday, November 10, 2025, while travelling from Lagos to Abuja to participate in a Directorate-level promotion examination.

According to sources, the officials’ convoy was ambushed in what appeared to be a carefully coordinated attack. The assailants reportedly intercepted their vehicles and whisked them away to an unknown location.

The shocking incident has unsettled staff within the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), reigniting widespread concern about the safety of government employees who frequently travel long distances for official duties.

In a statement, the ASCSN President, Shehu Mohammed, and the Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, condemned the abduction and assured members that efforts were underway to secure the release of the victims.

According to the statement “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 ASCSN disclosed that the Defence Ministry had already mobilized its security operatives, who are taking urgent steps to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted Directors.

“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 statement added. “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 henceforth, warning that continued disregard for safety concerns could lead to further tragedies.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has reportedly intensified efforts to locate the victims, deploying specialized security teams to comb suspected hideouts around Kogi State.

The ASCSN commended the Defence authorities for their swift response and called on security agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safe return of the abducted officers.

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