Four Defence Ministry Directors Freed After Abd¥ction

 Four of the six directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence abd¥cted on 10 November along the Kabba–Lokoja highway have regained their freedom, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) confirmed on Friday, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

The officials were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a promotion exam when armed assailants intercepted their vehicle and k+dn@pped them. The k+dn@ppers later demanded N150 million for the release of all six victims, causing alarm among their families and colleagues.

In a statement signed by ASCSN president Shehu Mohammed and secretary general Joshua Apebo, the union said the rescued directors Helen Ezeakor, C. A. Ladoye, Ngozi Ibeziakor, and Essien Catherine are now receiving medical care.

Two directors, C. A. Emeribe and J. A. Onwuzurike, remain in captivity. The union urged the ministry and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release, stressing that the search must continue until the remaining officers are safely recovered.

ASCSN also renewed its call for decentralised examinations, highlighting that long-distance travel exposes civil servants to unnecessary risks. The union praised government measures aimed at boosting security on major highways.

It remains unclear whether the ransom demanded by the kidnappers was paid before the release of the four officials. Analysts note that in many k+dn@pping cases in Nigeria, victims are often freed after ransom payments.