Kidnappers Demand N150 Million for Release of Six Defence Ministry Directors

The abductors of six senior directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence have demanded a ransom of N150 million, plunging the families of the victims into deeper distress as they continue to appeal for the safe release of their loved ones.

According to relatives, the demand has compounded their trauma, leaving them uncertain about how they can possibly raise such an enormous amount.

“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; that is all we can plead for at this point,” a family member told Daily Post.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the six directors — 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 Kabba–Lokoja highway while travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination.

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) condemned the attack in a statement signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo.

“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 union stated.

The ASCSN added that the Ministry of Defence had activated its security architecture to work toward securing the release of the abducted officials. It also renewed its call for decentralised promotion examinations to reduce the risks associated with long-distance travel.

“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 statement noted.

Security sources have described the incident as a “well-coordinated attack,” heightening concerns over the safety of civil servants travelling on official duty.

Meanwhile, the families of the victims continue to appeal to the abductors to show mercy and release the directors unharmed.