Panic has gripped the Federal Civil Service following the abduction of six Directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence by gunmen along the Kabba–Lokoja highway on Monday.
The senior officials were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Abuja to participate in a Directorate-level promotion examination when their convoy was ambushed by the armed men in what sources described as a “well-coordinated attack.”
The incident has sparked outrage and anxiety within the Ministry of Defence and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), which described the abduction as a major security lapse.
In a statement jointly signed by the ASCSN President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, the union condemned the attack and urged security agencies to intensify efforts toward the safe release of the victims.
According to the statement, the abducted directors 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 staff of the Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.
“These Directors, who are members of our union, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped. We have been in close contact with the Defence Ministry, which has since mobilized its security operatives to ensure their safe rescue,” the statement read.
The union expressed deep concern over the increasing risks faced by public servants who are often compelled to travel long distances for official assignments.
“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations within the states, instead of compelling employees to travel to Abuja,” ASCSN stated.
“The present insecurity and deplorable road conditions have made such journeys extremely dangerous.”
It warned that unless urgent steps are taken to decentralize promotion and verification exercises, more public servants could fall victim to similar attacks.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has reportedly activated a joint security operation to locate the victims, with special teams combing suspected hideouts around parts of Kogi State.
The ASCSN commended the swift response of Defence authorities but called for “heightened inter-agency collaboration” to secure the release of the abducted officers unhurt.
“The safety of public officers must not be treated with levity,” the union added. “We urge the government to act decisively and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
The latest abduction adds to the growing number of kidnapping incidents targeting government workers and travelers across major Nigerian highways, heightening public fears about worsening insecurity nationwide.
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