Kidnappers Demand N150 Million For Six Abducted Defence Ministry Directors — Families in Deep Distress as Calls for Decentralised Exams Intensify

Kidnappers Demand N150 Million For Six Abducted Defence Ministry Directors — Families in Deep Distress as Calls for Decentralised Exams Intensify

By Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi
Global Egberi Media International

The wave of insecurity that has plagued Nigeria has once again taken a disturbing turn as kidnappers holding six senior directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence have demanded a staggering ₦150 million ransom, heightening anxiety among families already shattered by the incident.

The victims — Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C. Emeribe, Mrs. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C. Ladoye, Mrs. J. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine Essien — were abducted on Monday, November 10, 2025, along the increasingly notorious Kabba–Lokoja highway. They were travelling from Lagos to Abuja to sit for a Directorate-level promotion examination when armed bandits launched what security sources have described as a “well-coordinated attack.”

Families in Agony as Huge Ransom Demand Intensifies Trauma

Relatives of the abducted officials say the ransom request has deepened their suffering.

One distraught family member told Daily Post:

“We are already traumatised. Now the kidnappers are demanding ₦150 million to release all six of them. How can we possibly raise such an amount? We only beg for the safe return of our loved ones.”

The families continue to appeal passionately to the abductors for mercy, expressing fears over the victims’ conditions as the days drag on.

ASCSN Condemns Attack, Faults Centralised Promotion Exams

The incident has sparked outrage across the civil service, prompting the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) to issue a strongly-worded statement signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo.

The union confirmed that all six abducted directors are members of its fold and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.

ASCSN criticised the Federal Civil Service Commission for continuing to centralise promotion examinations in Abuja, forcing officials to travel long distances by road — often through unsafe routes.

“We have consistently warned against this arrangement. Promotion examinations should be conducted in states, not in Abuja alone,” the union stressed.

The organisation also confirmed that the Ministry of Defence has activated its internal security mechanisms to work with security agencies toward the safe rescue of the abductees.

Security Warnings and Growing National Concern

Security analysts have described the incident as part of a rising trend of targeted attacks on government personnel, particularly those travelling for official duties.

A senior security source said:

“This is not random. It appears coordinated and well-planned. It raises serious concerns about how exposed civil servants are while carrying out national assignments.”

The Kabba–Lokoja corridor continues to rank among Nigeria’s high-risk routes, increasingly associated with bandit activity, ambushes and opportunistic kidnappings.

A Nation Seeking Answers

As Nigeria battles insecurity on multiple fronts, this latest abduction underscores the urgent need for:

• safer nationwide mobility for public servants,

• decentralised government processes,

• intelligence-driven route monitoring, and

• stronger inter-agency collaboration.

For now, the families of the six women wait in anguish—hoping that the kidnappers will show compassion and release their loved ones unharmed.

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Source: Sahara Reporters / Daily Post / Global Egberi Media Intelligence Desk

© Dr. Odimientimi Agbedeyi — Global Egberi Media International