Labour Hails Security Agencies as Four Defence Ministry Directors Regain Freedom

By Chinedu Echianu

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has applauded security operatives for securing the release of four Directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence who were kidnapped on 10 November 2025 along the Kaba–Lokoja highway.

In a press statement issued in Abuja and signed by the National President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Joshua Apebo, the union expressed joy over the rescue of the victims and commended the swift action of security agencies.

The six abducted officials, all members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria serving at the Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were travelling to Abuja for an official assignment when they were attacked.

According to the statement, four of the kidnapped Directors — Mrs. Helen Ezeakor C., Mrs. Ladoye C.A., Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, and Mrs. Essien Catherine O. — have been rescued and are currently undergoing medical observation. However, two others, Mrs. Emeribe C.A. and Mrs. Onwuzurike J.A., are still missing.

The ASCSN leadership urged the Defence Ministry and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure the safe return of the remaining victims. The union also reiterated its long-standing call for the Federal Government to decentralize examination and verification exercises for public service employees. It said compelling workers to travel long distances to Abuja for promotion examinations exposes them to grave security risks.

The Association further commended President Bola Tinubu for renewed efforts to tackle insecurity, noting that Nigerians should be able to travel across the country without fear of abduction or violence.