The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has condemned the abduction of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

According to reports from the hospital, Dr. Mbanugo was attacked around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, while returning home after an intensive day in the operating theatre.

Earlier that day, he had performed several critical neurosurgical procedures, including the resection of a complex brain tumour, saving lives and delivering highly specialised care to Nigerians in need.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, strongly condemned all forms of violence against healthcare workers, describing Dr. Mbanugo’s abduction as particularly tragic since it occurred “at the very point where he should have been safest returning home after serving humanity.”

Salako disclosed that contact was later established by the abductors through the victim’s phone with some of his colleagues.

He added that the incident has been formally reported to the Anambra State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and local vigilante groups.

The Minister further stated that the management of NAUTH is collaborating closely with security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other relevant stakeholders to ensure Dr. Mbanugo’s safe release.

He called on the Anambra State Government and all relevant authorities to intensify efforts toward locating and rescuing the neurosurgeon unharmed and unconditionally, in recognition of his humanitarian service to the nation.

Salako stressed that Nigeria’s health workforce, including doctors, nurses, and allied professionals, are national asset working under immense pressure to save lives and therefore deserves protection, not harm.

“Nigeria currently has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons serving a population of over 220 million people,” he said. “Against the World Health Organization’s benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 people, Nigeria has approximately one 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.”

He expressed the Ministry’s solidarity with Dr. Mbanugo’s family, colleagues, the NAUTH management, the neurosurgical community, the NMA, and the wider health sector.

“The Ministry remains firmly committed to strengthening the safety and security of health workers across Nigeria,” Salako assured.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) also issued a statement on Sunday, pleading for the release of their colleague, Dr. Mbanugo.