Panic in Defence Ministry as Gunmen Kidnap Six Senior Directors

Panic in Defence Ministry as Gunmen Kidnap Six Senior Directors

The Federal Ministry of Defence has been plunged into turmoil following the abduction of six senior directors by suspected gunmen along the Kabba–Lokoja highway in Kogi State on Monday, November 10, 2025.

According to security sources, the top officials were ambushed by heavily armed men in what investigators described as a “well-coordinated and targeted attack.” The victims, all senior staff of the Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were en route to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination when their convoy came under fire.

The abducted officers have been identified as Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C.A. Emeribe, Mrs. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien.

News of the abduction sent shockwaves through the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN). In a statement signed by ASCSN President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Comrade Joshua Apebo, the union condemned the attack and assured members that efforts were underway to secure the victims’ safe release.

 “We are deeply saddened by this tragic development,” the statement read. “The Ministry of Defence has mobilised security operatives to ensure the immediate rescue of our members. We urge authorities to treat this as a matter of national urgency.”

The union also renewed calls on the Federal Civil Service Commission to decentralise promotion examinations to reduce the risks associated with long-distance travel.

“We have repeatedly warned that compelling civil servants to travel across dangerous highways for official duties exposes them to grave risks,” ASCSN stated. “The current insecurity and deplorable road conditions in the country are simply unacceptable.”

Sources within the Defence Ministry confirmed that special tactical units, including military intelligence and anti-kidnapping squads, had been deployed across parts of Kogi State to comb suspected hideouts.

The ASCSN praised the Defence authorities for their swift response but insisted that “no effort must be spared” in ensuring the safe return of the abducted officials.