Panic has gripped the Federal Civil Service following the abduction of six senior directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence by armed men along the Kabba–Lokoja highway in Kogi State.
The incident occurred on Monday, November 10, 2025, as the officials were traveling from Lagos to Abuja to attend a Directorate-level promotion examination.
Reports indicate that the attackers executed a well-coordinated ambush, intercepting the convoy and taking the officers to an undisclosed location.
The abduction has sent shockwaves through the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), sparking renewed fears over the safety of public servants traveling for official duties.
In a statement, ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo strongly condemned the attack and assured members that efforts were ongoing to secure the victims’ release.
The kidnapped officials have been identified as Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C.A. Emeribe, Mrs. C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien, all of whom are staff members of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.
The ASCSN revealed that the Defence Ministry has mobilized specialized security teams to locate and rescue the victims, while urging security agencies to intensify their efforts.
The union also reiterated its longstanding call for the decentralization of promotion and verification exercises, arguing that requiring civil servants to travel long distances to Abuja puts them at unnecessary risk due to the worsening security situation and poor road conditions.
“The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks,” the statement read, warning that continued disregard for safety concerns could lead to further tragedies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has reportedly deployed internal security units and launched a massive search operation, combing suspected hideouts in Kogi State to locate the abductees.
The ASCSN commended the Defence authorities for their swift response and urged them to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safe return of the directors.
