By Obasola Olatunde
Tension has gripped the Federal Civil Service following the abduction of six Directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence by suspected gunmen along the Kabba Lokoja highway in Kogi State.
The senior officers, who were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate level promotion examination, were reportedly ambushed and kidnapped on Monday, November 10, 2025, in what sources described as a “well coordinated attack.”
The incident has sparked outrage and deep concern within the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), which described the abduction as “shocking and unacceptable.”
In a joint statement, ASCSN President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary General, Joshua Apebo, confirmed the identities of those abducted 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.
“These directors, who are members of our union and staff of Command Day Secondary School, Ojo, Lagos, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped,” the statement said.
The union disclosed that the Defence Ministry had immediately mobilized its internal security apparatus, while specialized security teams were deployed to Kogi State to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
ASCSN also renewed calls for the decentralisation of promotion examinations to reduce the risks faced by public servants.
“We have repeatedly advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations across states, rather than compelling employees to travel long distances to Abuja. The current insecurity and poor road conditions expose workers to unnecessary danger,” the statement added.
The union warned that failure to prioritise workers’ safety could lead to further tragedies, urging the government to act swiftly to prevent a recurrence.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has assured families of the victims that every effort is being made to ensure their safe return.
The abduction adds to Nigeria’s growing list of high profile kidnappings, underscoring the worsening insecurity on major highways despite government assurances of improved safety.