Six Directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence have been kidnapped by gunmen on Kaba–Lokoja highway in Kogi State.

They were kidnapped on
Monday, November 10, 2025.

The senior officers, who were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for the yearly promotion examination, when they were ambushed and abducted by gunmen.

Those kidnapped are 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 the kidnap victims are staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.

The victims are also members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) which has expressed worry over the development.

In a statement, the President of ASCSN, Mr Shehu Mohammed, and the Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, condemned the abduction and assured members that efforts were underway to secure the release of the victims.

“These Directors, who are members of our Union and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped,” the statement said.

The ASCSN disclosed that the Defence Ministry had already mobilized its security operatives to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted Directors.

“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states instead of compelling public service employees to travel long distances to Abuja.

“The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks, the union said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has reportedly intensified efforts to locate the victims, deploying specialized security teams to comb suspected hideouts around Kogi State.