Unwarranted situation has engulfed Nigeria’s Federal Civil Service after six Directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence were abducted by suspected gunmen along the Kabba–Lokoja highway in Kogi State on Monday, November 10th, 2025. The terrifying incident occurred as the top officials, all attached to Command Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Ojo, Lagos, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja to participate in a Directorate-level promotion examination.
Witnesses described the attack as a “well-coordinated ambush,” with the armed assailants intercepting the officers’ convoy and forcibly whisking them away. The kidnapped directors have been identified 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.
In an official statement, the President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, condemned the abduction in the strongest terms and assured their members that every necessary step was being taken to secure the officers’ release. “These directors, who are members of our union and staff of CDSS Ojo, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped,” the union emphasized in its release.
The incident has sparked widespread concern among civil servants and within the Ministry itself. According to ASCSN, “the Ministry of Defence has already deployed its internal security network and is working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure the prompt and safe return of the victims.” The Defence Ministry has reportedly launched a massive search operation, dispatching specialized security personnel to comb suspected hideouts in Kogi State and surrounding regions.
The kidnappers have allegedly contacted the families of the victims and are demanding a ransom of ₦150 million for their release. This demand underlines the growing trend of high-profile abductions for ransom in Nigeria, particularly targeting government officials and senior civil servants.
The union leaders have called on all relevant security agencies “to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the release of our members and bringing those responsible to justice.” Despite assurances, the abduction has raised fresh alarms about the vulnerability of public officials travelling for official duties and the persistent insecurity facing Nigerian highways.
As of the time of reporting, the fate of the six kidnapped directors remains uncertain, while their colleagues and family members anxiously await further updates from authorities and rescue teams.For ongoing updates, stay tuned to official government and credible news sources.
