Six Defence Ministry Directors Kidnapped on Kaba–Lokoja Highway, ASCSN Demands Urgent Action
By Enemona Samuel Endurance | The Bureau News
ABUJA — Nigeria News Today: Tension has gripped the Federal Civil Service following the abduction of six Directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence by unidentified gunmen along the Kaba–Lokoja expressway on Monday, November 10, 2025.
According to Very Nigerian, the victims were ambushed while travelling from Lagos to Abuja to participate in a Directorate-level promotion examination. Witnesses described the incident as a well-coordinated and targeted attack carried out by heavily armed men.
Union Confirms Identities of Abducted Directors
In an official statement signed by the President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo, the union condemned the abduction and called for immediate action to secure the officers’ release.
The statement listed the victims as: Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C.A. Emeribe, Mrs. C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien — all Directors attached to the Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.
Ministry Deploys Security Network
The Federal Ministry of Defence has reportedly activated its internal security architecture and is working with national law enforcement agencies to locate and rescue the abducted officers unharmed.
“We commend the Defence authorities for their swift response and urge all security agencies to leave no stone unturned in securing the safe return of our members,” the ASCSN said.
Union Blames Systemic Negligence
The ASCSN leadership criticized the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) for “continuing to endanger civil servants” by conducting promotion examinations only in Abuja despite repeated warnings about the country’s worsening insecurity.
“We have consistently advised that such examinations should be conducted across state offices instead of forcing officers to travel long distances,” the statement read. “The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose public servants to unacceptable risks.”
Massive Search Underway
Reports from security sources indicate that a special operations team has been deployed to comb suspected hideouts in Kogi State and nearby forests. The operation is being coordinated jointly by the Nigerian Army, Police, and local vigilante groups.
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited public outrage over the increasing wave of kidnappings targeting civil servants, commuters, and school officials across major highways in North-Central Nigeria.
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