By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) on Tuesday raised the alarm over the kidnapping of six directors from the Ministry of Defence.
The union reported that the directors were abducted on Monday, November 10, 2025, while travelling from Lagos to Abuja to take part in a directorate-level promotion examination.
Sources described the incident as a carefully coordinated ambush.
In a statement jointly signed by ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo, the union identified the victims as Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C.A. Emeribe, Mrs. C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien.
“These directors, who are members of our union and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped,” the statement read.
The union added that the Ministry of Defence had deployed security operatives to facilitate their release.
It further urged the government to decentralise promotion and verification exercises to reduce risks for civil servants.
“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states instead of compelling public service employees to travel long distances to Abuja.
“The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, security operatives are reportedly searching suspected hideouts in Kogi State, where the abduction took place.
Kogi State has experienced a surge in kidnapping incidents this year. On November 8, 2025, 10 individuals were abducted along the Dekina-Ajiyolo-Anyigba Road, while a June attack on a commercial vehicle left one person dead and six others injured. Authorities have arrested some suspects and rescued victims, but insecurity remains a major concern.
The ASCSN commended the Defence authorities for their prompt response and called on all security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted officers.