No fewer than six directors in the Ministry of Defence have been kidnapped by terrorists, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria revealed.
According to the union, the directors were abducted by the terrorists on Monday, November 10, 2025, while traveling from Lagos to Abuja for a directorate-level promotion examination.
According to sources, the incident was a well-coordinated ambush.
Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C.A. Emeribe, Mrs. C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien were identified as victims in a statement signed by ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo.
“These directors, who are members of our union and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped,” the statement read.
The union observed that the Ministry of Defence had dispatched security forces to ensure their release.
It also encouraged the government to decentralize promotion and verification procedures to avoid threats to civil personnel.
“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states instead of compelling public service employees to travel long distances to Abuja.
“The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks,” the statement added.
Security teams in Kogi State are searching for suspect hideouts, as kidnappings have increased this year.
On November 8, 2025, 10 people were abducted along the Dekina-Ajiyolo-Anyigba Road, while a June attack on a commercial vehicle left one dead and six injured.
Authorities have arrested some suspects and rescued victims, but insecurity remains.
The ASCSN praised the defense authorities for their efforts.
