Gunmen Abduct Six Senior Defence Ministry Officials

November 11, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke

Gunmen have abducted six senior Directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence along the Kaba-Lokoja highway amid heightened national tension over reports of planned U.S. military action against terrorist cells in Nigeria.

The officials were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a promotion examination when they were intercepted in what sources described as a “well-coordinated ambush.” The incident occurred more than 24 hours before it became public knowledge, sending shockwaves across the security establishment.

The abducted directors have been identified as Ngozi Ibeziakor, C.A. Emeribe, C. Helen Ezeakor, C.A. Ladoye, J.A. Onwuzurike, and Catherine O. Essien.

Residents familiar with the area told our correspondent that the kidnappers are likely linked to terrorist groups operating within the forests surrounding the Kaba-Lokoja axis, a corridor notorious for abductions and highway attacks.

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) condemned the abduction and urged the government to ensure the immediate rescue of the officials. In a joint statement, President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo criticized the long-standing practice of mandating public servants to travel to Abuja for promotion examinations.

“We have consistently advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to decentralize examinations and conduct them in states. The current security atmosphere and poor road conditions expose workers to avoidable risks,” the union stated.

Security agencies have not yet issued an official statement on rescue efforts as of the time of filing this report.