Four senior female directors from Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence have finally regained their freedom after being held captive for nearly two weeks by armed terrorists along the Kabba Lokoja highway in Kogi State. The officials were abducted on November 10, 2025, while travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a scheduled Directorate level promotion examination. During the attack, six directors were forcefully taken into the forest, sparking widespread concern and national outrage.
According to multiple sources, the women endured extremely harsh conditions throughout their captivity. They were allegedly starved, deprived of proper rest, and forced to march long distances through dense forest terrain stretching from Kogi into Kaduna State. The four rescued directors have been identified as Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien. They are currently receiving medical care following their escape.
Sadly, two other abducted directors Mrs. C.A. Emeribe and Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike are feared dead according to Sahara Reporter indicate that the two may have collapsed during the gruelling forced trek, unable to withstand the extreme exhaustion and conditions imposed by the kidnappers. Their exact fate has not yet been officially confirmed, but security sources believe they did not survive the ordeal.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) strongly condemned the abduction, calling it an unacceptable failure of security and urging the government to decentralize promotion examinations so civil servants are no longer forced to travel by road through dangerous areas. The union also demanded urgent improvements in nationwide security to protect government workers and citizens.
It was earlier reported that the abductors demanded a ransom of ₦150 million for the release of the six officials, although it remains unclear whether any payment played a role in the eventual escape of the four survivors. What is certain, however, is that the incident has intensified concerns about rising kidnappings and insecurity across major routes in the country.
The successful rescue of the four women brings partial relief to their families, colleagues, and the Ministry of Defence, but the tragedy surrounding the two missing officials continues to cast a heavy shadow over the incident. Authorities are expected to release more information as investigations progress.