Six defence ministry directors abducted on way to promotion exam — Union

Six defence ministry directors abducted on way to promotion exam — Union

At least six directors in the Federal Ministry of Defence have been kidnapped by terrorists while travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a promotion examination, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has revealed.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, November 10, 2025, along the highway, in what sources described as a well-coordinated ambush by armed men.

Those abducted 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 senior staff members of the Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.

The union, in a statement signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, condemned the abduction and urged urgent government intervention to ensure the victims’ safe return.

“These directors, who are members of our union, were kidnapped while on their way from Lagos to Abuja to attend the directorate-level promotion examination,” the ASCSN said.

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The union disclosed that the Ministry of Defence had already mobilised security agencies to track down the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.

It also renewed calls for the decentralisation of promotion and verification exercises to reduce risks faced by civil servants.

“We have consistently advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to decentralise promotion examinations to the states instead of compelling officers to travel long distances to Abuja. The current insecurity and poor road conditions expose public servants to grave danger,” the statement added.

Security sources in Kogi State confirmed that a search operation was underway in suspected hideouts as incidents of kidnapping continue to rise across the region.

Just days earlier, on November 8, ten passengers were abducted along the Dekina-Ajiyolo-Anyigba Road, while a June attack on a commercial vehicle left one person dead and six others injured.

The ASCSN commended the Defence authorities for their swift response and expressed hope that the abducted officials would soon regain their freedom.

Six defence ministry directors abducted on way to promotion exam — Union