Kidnappers Demand N150m Ransom for Six Defence Ministry Directors Seized on Kabba–Lokoja Highway

|By Adejumo Adekunle

A fresh wave of anxiety has gripped the Federal Ministry of Defence as kidnappers who seized six of its senior directors have demanded a N150 million ransom for their release.

The officials were abducted on November 10, 2025, along the Kabba–Lokoja highway in Kogi State while travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination.

Sources said the attackers launched a well-coordinated ambush, blocking the highway before whisking the officials into the forest.

A relative of one of the victims described the ordeal as devastating, saying the families were overwhelmed by the ransom demand.

“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,” the family member pleaded.

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) condemned the incident, describing it as “unacceptable and deeply troubling.” In a statement signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, the union assured staff that negotiations and rescue efforts are underway.

The abducted officials were identified as Mrs Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs C. Emeribe, Mrs Helen Ezeakor, Mrs C. Ladoye, Mrs J. Onwuzurike, and Mrs Catherine Essien—all senior staff members of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.

According to the union, the Ministry of Defence has activated a coordinated response, working with security agencies and relevant stakeholders to fast-track the directors’ safe rescue.