Kidnappers Demand N150 Million for Release of Six Abducted Defence Ministry Directors

New developments have emerged in the case of six senior directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence who were abducted earlier this month. The kidnappers are reportedly demanding a ransom of N150 million for the safe release of the officials.

The directors were seized on November 10, 2025, along the Kabba-Lokoja highway in Kogi State while travelling from Lagos to Abuja to participate in a Directorate-level promotion examination. Eyewitnesses and sources familiar with the incident described the attack as a premeditated ambush by heavily armed assailants who blocked the highway, leaving the officials with no means of escape.

Family members of the abducted directors have expressed deep concern and despair over the ransom demand. One relative said, “We are still traumatised by what happened. Now the kidnappers are asking for N150 million to release all six of them. How can we possibly raise such a huge sum? We beg them to free our loved ones unharmed; that is all we can plead for at this point.”

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) condemned the abduction in a statement signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo. The union also assured its members that every possible measure is being taken to secure the directors’ release.

The kidnapped officials have been identified as Mrs Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs C. Emeribe, Mrs Helen Ezeakor, Mrs C. Ladoye, Mrs J. Onwuzurike, and Mrs Catherine Essien. All six are senior members of ASCSN and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Ojo, Lagos.

According to ASCSN, the Ministry of Defence has activated a coordinated response involving security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to expedite the safe recovery of the abducted directors.