The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has strongly condemned the abduction of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State.
Dr. Mbanugo was reportedly kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday, October 30, 2025, while returning home from work.
In a statement signed by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the ministry described the incident as “a grave assault on the nation’s health system,” calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the medical specialist.
According to Dr. Salako, the neurosurgeon was attacked around Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi, shortly after performing multiple life-saving neurosurgical procedures, including the resection of a complex brain tumour.
“He was kidnapped at the very point where he should have been safest — returning home after saving lives and serving humanity,” the statement read.
The abductors are said to have contacted some of Dr. Mbanugo’s colleagues using his mobile phone. Security agencies, including the Anambra State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and local vigilante groups, have been notified and are coordinating efforts to secure his release.
The ministry also highlighted the dire shortage of neurosurgeons in Nigeria, noting that the country has fewer than 150 practising neurosurgeons for a population of over 220 million people — far below the World Health Organization (WHO) benchmark of one neurosurgeon per 100,000 citizens.
“This means Nigeria has roughly one neurosurgeon per 1.9 million people. Every specialist we have is invaluable. An attack on one is an attack on the nation’s health security and collective wellbeing,” Dr. Salako stated.
He condemned the growing trend of violence against healthcare workers, describing them as “national assets working under immense pressure to save lives” who must be protected and respected.
Dr. Salako urged the Anambra State Government and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate Dr. Mbanugo and ensure his safe return.
The Ministry expressed solidarity with Dr. Mbanugo’s family, his colleagues, NAUTH management, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and the entire health community, reaffirming the federal government’s commitment to the safety and protection of health workers nationwide.
“We stand firmly with his family, colleagues, and the neurosurgical community at this painful time,” Dr. Salako said. “The Ministry remains committed to strengthening the safety and security of all health workers across Nigeria.”
