Four kidnapped Defence Ministry directors regain freedom

The officials were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a promotion examination when terrorists intercepted their vehicle and took them away.

Four of the six directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence who were abducted on 10 November along the Kabba Lokoja highway have been released.

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria disclosed this on Friday. The update was reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

The officials were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a promotion examination when terrorists intercepted their vehicle and took them away.

Days later, the abductors demanded N150 million to free the six victims, a development that caused widespread concern among families and colleagues.

In a statement signed by the ASCSN president, Shehu Mohammed, and secretary general, Joshua Apebo, the union confirmed that four directors had regained freedom and were receiving medical attention.

“We are relieved to inform our members that four of our colleagues have been rescued and are undergoing medical checks,” the statement said.

The rescued officials were identified as Helen Ezeakor, C A Ladoye, Ngozi Ibeziakor and Essien Catherine.

Two others, C A Emeribe and J A Onwuzurike, remain missing.

The union appealed for intensified efforts to secure their release.

“We urge the ministry and the security agencies to sustain the search until the remaining two officers are brought home safely,” the statement added.

The union also repeated its call for decentralised examinations, saying frequent long distance travel exposes civil servants to avoidable danger.

It commended the government for measures aimed at improving security on major routes.

It is not yet clear whether the ransom earlier demanded by the terrorists was paid before the release of the four officials.

Nigeria continues to record a high rate of ransom linked releases, with security analysts estimating that most kidnapping victims regain freedom only after money is paid.