The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has reported the kidnapping of six directors under the Ministry of Defence, describing the incident as a coordinated ambush.
According to the union, the officers were abducted on Monday, November 10, 2025, while travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a directorate-level promotion examination.
In a statement signed by ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo, the victims 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.
“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 union revealed that the Ministry of Defence has deployed security personnel to secure the safe release of the kidnapped officers.
ASCSN also urged the government to decentralise promotion and verification exercises, stressing that forcing civil servants to travel long distances for exams exposes them to unnecessary danger.
“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 stated.
Security operatives are reportedly searching suspected hideouts in Kogi State, where the incident occurred. The state has recorded a spike in kidnapping cases this year.
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On November 8, 2025, 10 travellers were abducted along the Dekina–Ajiyolo–Anyigba Road, and in June, an attack on a commercial vehicle claimed one life and left six injured.
Although some arrests have been made and victims rescued in earlier cases, insecurity remains widespread.
The ASCSN commended Defence authorities for their swift intervention and called on all security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the abducted directors.
