Four of the six female directors of the Ministry of Defence earlier abducted in Kogi State have regained their freedom after nearly two weeks in captivity.

Sources who spoke with Sahara Reporters said the rescued officials were forced to trek long distances through the Kogi forest belt into Kaduna State before reaching safety.

Two of the women, Mrs C.A. Emeribe and Mrs J.A. Onwuzurike, were, however, feared dead, reportedly succumbing to exhaustion during the gruelling ordeal.

The source said, “I learned they have been released, but two of them unfortunately couldn’t make it.

“They died out of exhaustion after trekking from Kogi to Kaduna through the forest. The remaining four are currently undergoing medical examinations.”

The six victims Mrs Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs C.A. Emeribe, Mrs C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs C.A. Ladoye, Mrs J.A. Onwuzurike and Mrs Catherine O. Essien, were traveling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion course and examination when they were ambushed.

The incident occurred on Monday, November 10, 2025, along the Kabba–Lokoja highway. Armed men reportedly intercepted their vehicle in what security sources later described as a “well-coordinated attack.”

The gunmen whisked the women into the forest, where they were held under harsh conditions, with limited food, water and little rest.

“They spent almost two weeks with their abductors in the forest. It was a terrible experience,” the source added.

The abduction sparked tension within the Ministry of Defence and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).

In a statement jointly signed by ASCSN President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, the union confirmed the names of the abducted directors and condemned the attack.

“These Directors, who are members of our Union and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped,” the statement read.

The union said the Defence Ministry had deployed operatives and activated emergency measures to secure their release.

ASCSN criticised the Federal Civil Service Commission for compelling civil servants to travel long distances for promotion examinations despite rising insecurity and poor road conditions.

“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states.

“The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks,” the statement added.

The union warned that unless the government decentralises promotion and verification exercises, more tragedies could occur.

Authorities are expected to give updates on the condition of the freed officials in the coming days.