Nigeria: Health Ministry Expresses Concern Over Consultant's Kidnapping
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has raised serious concerns regarding the kidnapping of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) in Nnewi, Anambra State, Southeastern Nigeria. Dr. Mbanugo was abducted by unknown armed men on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Details of the Incident
Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, reported that Dr. Mbanugo was attacked near Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, while returning home after an intense day in the operating theatre.
Earlier that day, Dr. Mbanugo had successfully performed multiple critical neurosurgical operations, including the removal of a complex brain tumor, saving lives and providing specialized medical care.
"His abduction occurred at the very point where he should have been safest: returning home from serving humanity."
The ministry also confirmed that the abductors later made contact using Dr. Mbanugo’s phone to communicate with some of his colleagues.
Summary
The Health Ministry is deeply troubled by the kidnapping of a skilled neurosurgeon who had dedicated his day to saving lives, highlighting ongoing security challenges for medical professionals in Nigeria.