Six directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence have been abducted, with their captors reportedly demanding a ransom of ₦150 million for their release.
A family member of the victims, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed shock over the incident and appealed for the safe release of the officials. “We are still in shock over the whole incident. To worsen our pain, the kidnappers are demanding N150 million to free all six of them. Where and how can we raise such an outrageous amount? We are appealing to the kidnappers to release our breadwinners unharmed,” the family member said.
The senior officials were kidnapped on November 10, 2025, along the Kabba–Lokoja highway in Kogi State while traveling from Lagos to Abuja to attend a Directorate-level promotion examination.
In a statement, the Association of Senior Staff of the Federal Ministry of Defence (ASCSN), led by President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo, condemned the abduction and confirmed that efforts were underway to secure their release.
The abducted directors have been identified as Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C. Emeribe, Mrs. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C. Ladoye, Mrs. J. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine Essien. All are members of ASCSN and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.
The union also revealed that the Defence Ministry has mobilized security operatives to ensure the safe recovery of the kidnapped directors.
The incident raises questions about the security system and highlights the ongoing risks faced by government officials traveling through vulnerable areas.
