Insecurity
Terrorists Abduct Six Defence Ministry Directors On Kabba–Lokoja Highway
The senior officers were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination
Lokoja, Kogi State– Six senior directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence were abducted on Monday, November 10, 2025, by gunmen suspected to be terrorists along the Kabba–Lokoja highway, sending shockwaves through the Ministry and the wider civil service.
The senior officers were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination when they were intercepted by the assailants in what sources described as a well-coordinated ambush.
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 release of the victims.
According to the statement, the abducted officials 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 Directors attached to the Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.
“The Defence Ministry has already mobilized its security operatives, who are taking urgent steps to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted Directors,” the statement read.
ASCSN also criticized the Federal Civil Service Commission for insisting on holding promotion examinations in Abuja, despite worsening insecurity and poor road conditions across the country.
“We have always advised the Commission to conduct promotion examinations in states instead of compelling public service employees to travel long distances to Abuja,” the union stated. “The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks.”
The union called on the Federal Government to decentralize all promotion and verification exercises henceforth, warning that continued disregard for safety concerns could result in further tragedies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has reportedly intensified efforts to locate the victims, deploying specialized security teams to comb suspected hideouts around Kogi State.
The ASCSN commended the Defence authorities for their swift response and urged security agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safe return of the abducted officers.
