Fresh details have emerged on the abduction of six directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence along the Kabba–Lokoja highway in Kogi State, with the kidnappers now demanding ₦150 million for their release.

The officials were ambushed and abducted on November 10, 2025, while travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination. Sources described the incident as a well-coordinated attack.

A distraught family member, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said their situation had become unbearable.

“We are still in shock over the whole incident. To worsen our pain, the kidnappers are demanding ₦150 million to free all six of them. Where and how can we raise such an outrageous amount? We are appealing to the kidnappers to release our breadwinners unharmed. This is all we can say,” the relative lamented.

Reacting to the development, the Association of Senior Staff of the Federal Ministry of Defence (ASCSN), in a statement signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, strongly condemned the kidnapping.

The union assured members that frantic efforts were ongoing to secure the safe release of the victims.

The abducted directors were identified as:

Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor

Mrs. C. Emeribe

Mrs. Helen Ezeakor

Mrs. C. Ladoye

Mrs. J. Onwuzurike

Mrs. Catherine Essien

All six are members of ASCSN and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos.

According to the union, the Ministry of Defence has already activated security operatives and initiated urgent steps to ensure the victims’ rescue.