The Federal Government has condemned the abduction of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a consultant neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, describing the act as “a national tragedy.”
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, the neurosurgeon was kidnapped on Thursday, 30 October 2025, around the Omatha Junction in Uruagu, Nnewi. He was reportedly returning home after performing several complex brain surgeries that same day.
“His abduction occurred at the very point where he should have been safest, returning home from serving humanity,” the ministry’s statement said.
It revealed that the kidnappers used the doctor’s phone to contact some of his colleagues shortly after the incident. Security agencies, including the Anambra State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, have since been notified and have commenced investigation and rescue efforts in collaboration with local vigilante groups.
The Ministry expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on medical professionals, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford to lose any more healthcare workers to insecurity. It also highlighted the country’s critical shortage of neurosurgeons, noting that fewer than 150 currently serve a population exceeding 220 million people — a ratio far below the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 citizens.
The Federal Government called on the Anambra State Government, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and all relevant security agencies to intensify coordinated efforts to ensure Dr. Mbanugo’s immediate and safe release.
“The Ministry stands in full solidarity with his family, colleagues, the NAUTH management, and the entire medical community at this difficult time,” the statement added.
It also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all healthcare professionals are protected while serving in their respective roles, describing them as “national assets who must be safeguarded at all costs.”