…Urges urgent rescue of two others

By Bimbola Oyesola

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has commended nation’s security agencies for successfully rescuing four kidnapped directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence, calling the development a relief for the labour community and the families affected.

In a statement issued in Abuja and jointly signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, the union urged security operatives not to relent until the remaining two directors regain their freedom.

Recall that the six senior officials, all members of ASCSN serving at the Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were abducted on 10 November 2025 along the Kaba–Lokoja highway while travelling to Abuja for promotion examinations.

The attack, which occurred in broad daylight, sparked widespread outrage within the public service.

“Four of the kidnapped officers, Mrs Helen Ezeakor C., Mrs Ladoye C. A., Mrs Ngozi Ibeziakor, and Mrs Essien Catherine O have now been released and are undergoing medical evaluation,” the union said.

“However, two others, Mrs Emeribe C. A. and Mrs Onwuzurike J. A., remain missing.” Their continued captivity, ASCSN leaders noted, has deepened anxiety among colleagues and family members.

“We are grateful for the swift response of the security agencies and commend their courage and professionalism,” Mohammed said. “But we appeal that intensified efforts be made to ensure the remaining two Directors are rescued alive and reunited with their loved ones.”

The union described the ordeal as another tragic reminder of the dangers public servants face while travelling long distances for mandatory examinations and verification exercises.

ASCSN reiterated its long standing demand for the decentralisation of such processes, arguing that conducting exams and verification in states rather than requiring staff to travel to Abuja would significantly reduce security risks.

“There is no justification for compelling workers to embark on risky interstate journeys for routine administrative activities,” Apebo stressed. “Decentralising these exercises is not only cost effective but also a life-saving reform.”

The labour leaders further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recent efforts aimed at improving national security, saying citizens must be able to travel without fear of abduction or violence.

“Every Nigerian deserves to move freely and safely across the country,” the statement added. “We urge the government to sustain and strengthen the fight against insecurity so that incidents like this become a thing of the past.”

As security operatives continue search-and-rescue operations, ASCSN said it remains hopeful that the two missing directors will return home safely, urging the public to pray for their quick release.