The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has condemned the abduction of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State. The specialist was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
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” and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Mbanugo.
“Dr. Mbanugo was attacked around the Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi while on his way home after an intensive day in the operating theatre,” Dr. Salako 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.”
The ministry noted that the neurosurgeon was kidnapped “at the very point where he should have been safest returning home from serving humanity.” The abductors reportedly contacted some of Dr. Mbanugo’s colleagues through his phone. Security agencies, including the Anambra State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and local vigilante structures, have been alerted. NAUTH, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other relevant bodies are working to secure his release.
Highlighting the broader implications, the ministry stressed Nigeria’s severe shortage of neurosurgeons, noting that “Nigeria currently has less than 150 practising neurosurgeons serving a population of over 220 million people.
Against the WHO benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people, Nigeria has approximately one neurosurgeon per 1.9 million citizens. This makes every specialist we have invaluable. An attack on one specialist doctor is a direct assault on the nation’s health security and a threat to our collective wellbeing.”
Dr. Salako condemned attacks on health workers, calling them “national assets working under immense pressure to save lives. They must be protected and respected, not harmed or hunted.” He urged the Anambra State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to locate Dr. Mbanugo and ensure his safe release.
The ministry also expressed solidarity with Dr. Mbanugo’s family, colleagues, NAUTH management, the neurosurgical community, and the wider Nigerian health sector, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to protecting healthcare workers nationwide.
“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 Minister said. “The Ministry remains committed to strengthening the safety and security of health workers across Nigeria.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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