The Federal Government has condemned the kidnapping of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, who was abducted by unknown armed men on Thursday, 30th October 2025.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako who expressed profound concern over the kidnap, noted that reports from the hospital indicated that Dr. Mbanugo was attacked around the Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi while on his way home after an intensive day in the operating theatre.
He said: “Earlier that same day, he had performed multiple critical neurosurgical procedures, including the resection of a complex brain tumour, saving lives and delivering highly specialised care to Nigerians in need. His abduction occurred at the very point where he should have been safest: returning home from serving humanity.
The Ministry has also been informed that subsequent contact was later established by the abductors through his phone to some of his colleagues.”
Salako who highlighted the shortage of critical health personnel in the country due to brain drain, states that “An attack on one specialist doctor is a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to our collective wellbeing.
“Nigeria currently has less than 150 practising neurosurgeons serving a population of over 220 million people. Against the WHO benchmark of 1 neurosurgeon per 100,000 people, Nigeria has approximately 1 neurosurgeon per 1.9 million citizens. This makes every specialist we have invaluable.
“The Federal Ministry strongly condemns this incident and every form of violence against healthcare workers. Our health workforce: doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are national assets working under immense pressure to save lives. They must be protected and respected, not harmed or hunted.
“We therefore call on the Anambra State Government and all relevant security agencies to intensify all efforts toward locating Dr. Mbanugo and ensuring his immediate and safe release — unharmed and unconditionally — in honour of the humanitarian service he renders to the country.
“We stand firmly in solidarity with his family, colleagues, NAUTH management, the neurosurgical community, the NMA and the entire health sector at this painful time. The Ministry remains committed to strengthening the safety and security of health workers across Nigeria.”
