A sense of dread has settled over the Federal Civil Service in Abuja, Nigeria, following the shocking abduction of six Directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence.

The senior officers were on their way to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination when they were intercepted by gunmen along the Kaba-Lokoja highway on Monday, November 10, 2025.

The abducted Directors, all members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), are Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C.A. Emeribe, Mrs. C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien.

In a statement, ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo expressed their outrage and concern, saying, “Those kidnapped are members of our Union and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, who were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped.”

The union is calling for the decentralization of promotion and verification exercises, citing the grave risks public servants face due to the current security situation and deplorable road conditions.

“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states instead of compelling public service employees to travel long distances to Abuja,” the statement added.

ASCSN commended the Defence Ministry’s swift response, deploying security operatives to locate the victims, and urged security agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring their safe return.

The abduction has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of public servants, with many questioning the government’s ability to protect its citizens.

As the families of these victims wait with bated breath for the safe return of the abducted loved ones, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by defenceless Nigerians.