A serving military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has been shot dead after reportedly resisting an abduction attempt by armed assailants at his residence in the Kurudu area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Sources familiar with the incident revealed that the attackers ambushed the senior officer shortly after he arrived home on Monday evening and opened fire as he alighted from his vehicle.
The gunmen were said to have attempted to abduct the officer, but he fought back despite being heavily outnumbered.
Security sources said his resistance prevented the assailants from taking him away alive, although he was subsequently shot multiple times at close range.
During the attack, the gunmen also opened fire on members of his household. His wife, driver and security guard sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Colonel Ude, who hailed from Enugu State, was described by colleagues and security officials as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer. He was reportedly due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year.
A source involved in the preliminary investigation said the officer remained composed during the assault.
“He resisted them. From what investigators have gathered, they wanted to take him away, but he fought back. Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price,” the source said.
The circumstances surrounding the attack are still being investigated, while security agencies have launched efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Before his death, Colonel Ude served in several strategic military intelligence and counter-terrorism roles within the Armed Forces.
He participated in operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East and was deployed on specialised international assignments, including missions in the Republic of Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence and security cooperation efforts.
The killing has renewed concerns over attacks targeting serving and retired military personnel within the Federal Capital Territory.
The incident also recalls the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, who was killed on June 22, 2024, after armed men invaded his residence at Sunshine Homes Estate in the Lokogoma area of Abuja. Udokwere was reportedly stabbed to death while trying to defend his family, while the attackers escaped with his firearm and other valuables.
Security experts say the latest attack is likely to intensify calls for enhanced protection for serving and retired military officers, particularly those who have held sensitive operational and intelligence appointments.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement on the incident.
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