Press Statement
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL WELFARE EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN OVER THE KIDNAPPING OF CONSULTANT NEUROSURGEON, DR. TOCHUKWU MBANUGO, IN ANAMBRA STATE
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare expresses profound concern over the kidnapping of Dr. Tochukwu Mbanugo, a Consultant Neurosurgeon with the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State, who was abducted by unknown armed men on Thursday, 30th October, 2025.
Reports from the hospital indicate that Dr. Mbanugo was attacked around the Omatha Junction, Uruagu, Nnewi while on his way home after an intensive day in the operating theatre. 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. His abduction occurred at the very point where he should have been safest: returning home from serving humanity.
The Ministry has also been informed that subsequent contact was later established by the abductors through his phone to some of his colleagues. The matter has since been formally reported to the Anambra State Police Command, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and the State Vigilante structures. The management of NAUTH is actively collaborating with security agencies, the Nigerian Medical Association and relevant stakeholders to expedite his safe return.
Nigeria currently has less than 150 practising neurosurgeons serving a population of over 220 million people. Against the WHO benchmark of 1 neurosurgeon per 100,000 people, Nigeria has approximately 1 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.
The Federal Ministry strongly condemns this incident and every form of violence against healthcare workers. Our health workforce: doctors, nurses and allied health professionals are national assets working under immense pressure to save lives. They must be protected and respected, not harmed or hunted.
We therefore call on the Anambra State Government and all relevant security agencies to intensify all efforts toward locating Dr. Mbanugo and ensuring his immediate and safe release unharmed and unconditionally—in honour of the humanitarian service he renders to the country.
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 Ministry remains committed to strengthening the safety and security of health workers across Nigeria.
Signed
Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare.
