Gunmen Demand ₦150m Ransom to Free Six Abducted Defence Ministry Directors

The abductors of six senior directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence have demanded a ₦150 million ransom, deepening the anguish of their families, who say they have no idea how to raise such an enormous amount.

Relatives told newsmen that the demand has intensified their trauma, leaving them desperate for the safe return of their loved ones.

“We are still traumatised by what happened. Now the kidnappers are asking for ₦150 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,” a family member said.

The victims, Mrs Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs C. Emeribe, Mrs Helen Ezeakor, Mrs C. Ladoye, Mrs J. Onwuzurike and Mrs Catherine Essien, were kidnapped on Monday, 10 November 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 condemned the attack in a statement signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and secretary-general, Joshua Apebo, noting that the Ministry of Defence had deployed security operatives to secure their release.

The union also renewed its call for decentralised promotion examinations to reduce risky interstate travel.

Security sources have described the abduction as a “well-coordinated attack,” heightening concerns about the safety of civil servants on official assignments.

Meanwhile, families continue to plead with the kidnappers to show mercy and release the victims unharmed.