The Federal Government has condemned the abduction of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
In a statement signed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the ministry described the attack as “a grave assault on the nation’s health system.”
Dr. Mbanugo was reportedly kidnapped on Thursday, October 30, 2025, around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, while returning home after performing several complex neurosurgical procedures, including the removal of a brain tumour.
“The abduction occurred at the very point where he should have been safest — returning home from serving humanity,” the statement read.
The abductors have since made contact with some of his colleagues through his phone, while security agencies including the Anambra State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Anti-Kidnapping Squad have launched efforts to secure his release.
Dr. Salako emphasised the severity of the incident, noting Nigeria’s critical shortage of neurosurgeons.
“Nigeria has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons for a population exceeding 220 million. Against the WHO benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people, Nigeria has one per 1.9 million citizens,” he said.
He described the abduction as “a direct assault on the nation’s health security and collective wellbeing,” and condemned all forms of violence against healthcare workers, calling them “national assets working under immense pressure to save lives.”
The ministry called on the Anambra State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify operations to locate Dr. Mbanugo and ensure his safe return.
“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,” Dr. Salako said.
He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding medical professionals and strengthening the protection of healthcare workers across Nigeria.
