Gunmen have abducted Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a consultant neurosurgeon at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State.
According to reports, the kidnapping occurred on October 30, 2025, along the New Nnewi-Oba Road while he was returning home from a demanding day in the operating theatre.
The Federal Ministry of Health issued a statement on Monday expressing “profound concern” over the abduction, calling it “a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to our collective wellbeing.”
“His abduction occurred at the very point where he should have been safest: returning home from serving humanity,” the statement said, signed by Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare.
The abductors reportedly contacted some of Dr. Mbanugo’s colleagues via his phone. Authorities have been formally notified, including the Anambra State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police anti-kidnapping squad, and local vigilante groups.
“The management of NAUTH is actively collaborating with security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association, and relevant stakeholders to expedite his safe return,” the ministry stated.
Highlighting the significance of the abduction, the statement noted that Nigeria has fewer than 150 practicing neurosurgeons for a population exceeding 220 million. This is far below the World Health Organization benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people, translating to roughly one per 1.9 million citizens.
“This makes every specialist invaluable. An attack on one specialist doctor is a direct assault on the nation’s health security,” the ministry emphasized.
Salako called on the Anambra State government and security agencies to “intensify all efforts toward locating Dr. Mbanugo and ensuring his immediate and safe release—unharmed and unconditionally.”
The ministry also underscored that doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals are national assets working under immense pressure to save lives and must be protected and respected.
The abduction of Dr. Mbanugo comes amid rising security concerns in Nigeria and raises alarms about the safety of healthcare professionals, who play a critical role in public health and medical care across the nation.