Shock, Disbelief As Six Defence Ministry Directors Kidnapped On Kaba-Lokoja Road

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has expressed outrage and deep concern over the abduction of six senior directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence, who were kidnapped on Monday, November 10, 2025, along the Kaba-Lokoja highway while travelling to Abuja for official duties.

In a statement jointly signed by the National President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Joshua Apebo, the union described the incident as a “shocking and disheartening attack” on civil servants who were on legitimate government assignment.

According to the ASCSN, the victims, identified as Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. Emeribe C.A, Mrs. Helen Ezeakor C., Mrs. Ladoye C.A, Mrs. Onwuzurike J.A, and Mrs. Essien Catherine O., were all staff of the Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, and were en route to Abuja to participate in the promotion examinations for Directorate-level officers across the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The union disclosed that the Ministry of Defence has already mobilized security operatives who are working to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted officials. “We have been in close contact with the Ministry, and all necessary machinery has been activated to secure their release,” the statement assured.

Expressing frustration over the recurring dangers civil servants face while travelling for official assignments, ASCSN renewed its long-standing demand that promotion examinations and verification exercises be conducted at the state level to minimise risks associated with long-distance road travel.

“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to decentralise promotion examinations instead of compelling workers to travel from different parts of the country to Abuja, despite the worsening security situation and deplorable road conditions,” the statement read.

“Henceforth, we reiterate that all such official exercises should be carried out within the states to safeguard the lives of public service employees,” the labour leaders emphasized.

The ASCSN commended the Ministry of Defence for its prompt response and deployment of personnel to locate and rescue the kidnapped directors, urging the relevant security agencies to intensify their operations and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The union also called for “greater government commitment to workers’ safety”, stressing that the insecurity on major highways has become a serious threat to the public service.

Meanwhile, families of the kidnapped officials and colleagues across the Defence Ministry are said to be in distress as they await updates on the ongoing rescue operation.

The abduction adds to the growing list of kidnapping incidents targeting government officials and professionals across the country, further highlighting the urgent need for improved security architecture and stricter travel safety protocols for civil servants.