Four of the six Federal Ministry of Defence directors abducted on November 10 along the Kabba–Lokoja highway have been released, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) confirmed on Friday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
The officials were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a promotion examination when armed men intercepted their vehicle and k+dn@pped them. The abductors later demanded a ransom of N150 million for all six captives, sparking anxiety among colleagues and family members.
In a statement signed by ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo, the union disclosed that the freed directors — Helen Ezeakor, C. A. Ladoye, Ngozi Ibeziakor and Essien Catherine — are currently receiving medical attention.
Two others, C. A. Emeribe and J. A. Onwuzurike, remain in captivity. The union appealed to the Defence Ministry and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts, insisting that the operation must continue until the remaining directors are safely reunited with their families.
ASCSN reiterated its call for decentralised promotion examinations, arguing that compelling civil servants to travel long distances exposes them to avoidable danger. The union also commended ongoing government efforts to improve security along major routes.
It was not immediately clear whether any ransom was paid prior to the release of the four directors. Analysts note that in many k+dn@pping cases across Nigeria, victims often regain their freedom following the payment of ransom.