The Federal Ministry of Health has condemned the abduction of neurosurgeon Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo in Anambra State.
It urged security agencies to intensify efforts to ensure his safe and speedy release.
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The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has voiced strong concern over the kidnapping of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a consultant neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State.
In a statement signed by Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, on Sunday, the ministry said Dr Mbanugo was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday, October 30, 2025, near Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, while returning home after work.
The statement noted that earlier that day, the neurosurgeon had carried out several complex brain surgeries, including the removal of a tumour, saving the lives of critically ill patients.
“His abduction occurred at the very point where he should have been safest, returning home from serving humanity,” the statement read.
The ministry said the abductors later used Dr Mbanugo’s phone to contact some of his colleagues. It added that the matter had been reported to the Anambra State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and local vigilante groups.
The statement also drew attention to Nigeria’s severe shortage of neurosurgeons, revealing that fewer than 150 specialists serve a population of over 220 million people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 citizens.
According to the ministry, NAUTH management is working closely with security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other stakeholders to ensure Dr Mbanugo’s safe return. It condemned the attack and all forms of violence against healthcare workers, describing them as national assets who deserve protection and respect.
The ministry also appealed to the Anambra State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify search operations and secure his release unharmed.
