Panic as Bandits Abduct Six Defence Ministry Directors, Kill Three Youths in Nasarawa

Tension has gripped the Federal Civil Service following the abduction of six Directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence along the Kabba-Lokoja highway by armed assailants.

The attack, which occurred on November 10, 2025, also saw the killing of three youths from Migil despite warnings by the Nasarawa State government to deal decisively with perpetrators.

The senior officers were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Abuja to sit for a Directorate-level promotion examination when they were ambushed in a well-coordinated attack. The abducted Directors are Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C. Emeribe, Mrs. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C. Ladoye, Mrs. J. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine Essien, all staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.

The incident has sparked concern within the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN). ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo condemned the abduction, emphasizing the dangers faced by public servants compelled to travel long distances for official duties.

“The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks,” the union said, urging the Federal Civil Service Commission to consider conducting promotion examinations in the states rather than in Abuja.

The Ministry of Defence has reportedly deployed specialized security teams to comb suspected hideouts in Kogi State in a bid to rescue the kidnapped Directors.