Fresh details have emerged about the abduction of six senior directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence, as the kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of N150 million for their release. The officials were kidnapped on Monday, November 10, 2025, along the Kabba–Lokoja highway in Kogi State while travelling from Lagos to Abuja to participate in a scheduled Directorate-level promotion examination.
The kidnapping has drawn widespread concern across the country and renewed fears about safety on major highways in the North-Central region. The Kabba–Lokoja road, in particular, has been the scene of repeated attacks by armed groups in recent years, despite efforts by security agencies to curb the menace.
Security sources familiar with the incident described the abduction as a well-planned ambush. According to the accounts, armed men blocked the highway and forced the vehicle carrying the officials to stop. The attackers reportedly shot into the air, causing panic among travellers on the road, before whisking the officials into the forest.
The victims, all women and senior staff of the ministry, were on their way to Abuja as part of a group travelling for official duties. Their abduction has raised serious concerns about the growing trend of targeting civil servants, especially senior government officials, for ransom.
One relative of an abducted director, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, said the families were still struggling to come to terms with the events of the past days. The relative explained that the ransom demand was overwhelming and completely beyond what the families could raise.
“We are still traumatised by what happened,” the family member said. “Now the kidnappers are asking for N150 million to release all six of them. How can we possibly raise such a huge sum? We beg them to free our loved ones unharmed; that is all we can plead for at this point.”
The relative added that the families were confused about what steps to take next and were depending on government authorities for help. The families fear that any delay could put the victims in even greater danger, given the harsh conditions that kidnap victims often face in captivity.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), the union representing the abducted officials, has strongly condemned the attack. In a statement jointly signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, the union described the kidnapping as a shocking and unacceptable act that highlights the rising insecurity facing public workers.
The union identified the abducted officials as Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C. Emeribe, Mrs. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C. Ladoye, Mrs. J. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine Essien. All six are senior members of the association and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, which operates under the Ministry of Defence.
The ASCSN leaders said the union is in contact with both the Defence Ministry and relevant security agencies to ensure that immediate steps are taken to secure the safe release of the victims. They called on the federal government to intensify efforts to secure highways and protect workers who travel for official assignments.
“The abduction of our senior members is a direct attack on the public service. We urge all security agencies to deploy all necessary resources to ensure their rescue,” the statement said.
While details of the rescue operation remain confidential, sources noted that authorities are under pressure to secure the safe return of the victims without paying ransom, in line with government policy. However, rescue missions of this nature are often challenging due to the difficult terrain and the mobility of armed groups operating in the region.
The kidnapping of the six directors adds to the growing list of attacks reported on major highways across Nigeria. In recent years, the Kabba–Lokoja road has become one of the most notorious routes for kidnapping incidents. Travellers often report seeing abandoned vehicles, burnt cars, or roadblocks created by criminals to ambush unsuspecting commuters.
The latest incident has therefore sparked fresh calls for a major overhaul of security operations along major highways—particularly those linking Abuja to the South-West and North-Central regions.
The abduction has generated outrage among civil servants, education administrators, and security experts. Many Nigerians took to social media to demand a stronger response from the government, arguing that if senior officials can be kidnapped so easily, the safety of ordinary citizens remains at even greater risk.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, the families of the abducted officials remain hopeful that the government will ensure the safe return of their loved ones. The ASCSN has appealed for calm, urging members of the public not to spread unverified information that could hinder rescue efforts.
As the situation unfolds, security forces continue searching the forests around the Kabba–Lokoja axis, while government officials maintain regular contact with the families. For now, the nation waits anxiously as efforts intensify to rescue the six abducted directors and bring them back safely.
