Panic has engulfed the Federal Civil Service following the abduction of six Directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence by suspected gunmen along the Kaba–Lokoja highway.
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The incident occurred on Monday, November 10, 2025, as the senior officers were travelling from Lagos to Abuja to sit for a Directorate-level promotion examination. Sources described the attack as a well-coordinated ambush, sending shockwaves through the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).
In a joint statement, ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo condemned the abduction and assured members that efforts were underway to secure the safe release of the victims.
The kidnapped officers were 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 are members of the union and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.
“The Defence Ministry has mobilized its security operatives, who are taking urgent steps to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted Directors,” the union said.
The ASCSN criticized the current practice of requiring civil servants to travel long distances for promotion examinations. “We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states instead of compelling public service employees to travel to Abuja,” the statement said. “The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks.”
The union called for decentralization of promotion and verification exercises, warning that continued disregard for safety concerns could lead to further tragedies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has reportedly intensified efforts to locate the victims, deploying specialized security teams to comb suspected hideouts in Kogi State.
The ASCSN commended the Defence authorities for their swift response and urged all security agencies to leave no stone unturned to ensure the safe return of the abducted officers.
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