Four Defence Directors Freed After Kidnap on Kabba–Lokoja Highway

ABUJA, Nigeria – Four of the six kidnapped directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence have regained freedom after being abducted by terrorists along the Kabba–Lokoja highway on 10 November, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) confirmed on Friday.

The victims were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a promotion examination when their vehicle was intercepted. The abductors had earlier demanded N150 million for their release, raising tension among families and civil service circles.

In a joint statement, ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo said the rescued officials — Helen Ezeakor, C.A. Ladoye, Ngozi Ibeziakor and Essien Catherine — were receiving medical attention.

The union said two other directors, C.A. Emeribe and J.A. Onwuzurike remained in captivity and urged security agencies to intensify operations until they are safely released.

ASCSN reiterated its call for decentralised promotion examinations to reduce long-distance travel, which it said exposes civil servants to security threats. It remains unclear whether any ransom was paid prior to the rescue, and investigations are ongoing.

About the Author

Hussaini Ibrahim

Author

Hussaini Ibrahim is a journalist with Africa Health Report (AHR), covering Northern Nigeria with a focus on public health, the environment, and development. He holds a B.A. (Ed) in English from Northwest University, Kano, and brings several years of professional reporting experience. Passionate about accountability and social justice, he specialises in people-centred stories that expose the impact of policies on communities while amplifying the voices of those often excluded from decision-making. X (Twitter): @Mohamme85500159

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