A serving military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has been killed after resisting an attempted abduction at his residence in Kurudu, Abuja.
The attackers reportedly ambushed the officer on Monday evening shortly after he arrived home and opened fire as he stepped out of his vehicle.
Security sources said the gunmen attempted to take Ude away, but he resisted despite being outnumbered. He was later shot several times at close range after refusing to surrender.
Ude, a native of Enugu State, was described as a committed intelligence officer with extensive experience in military operations. He was reportedly due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year.
During the attack, the assailants also shot members of his household, including his wife, driver and security guard. The three victims sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to a hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
A security source familiar with the preliminary investigation said Ude’s resistance prevented the attackers from successfully abducting him.
“Investigators believe their intention was to take him away, but he fought back. Unfortunately, he lost his life in the process,” the source said.
Before his death, Ude held several key positions within military intelligence and counter-terrorism units of the Armed Forces. He participated in operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East and contributed to international security assignments in Chad and France.
His burial is scheduled for Tuesday at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja, in line with Islamic traditions.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over attacks targeting military personnel and former officers in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a similar incident, retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere was killed on June 22, 2024, after armed men attacked his residence at Sunshine Homes Estate in Lokogoma, Abuja. He was reportedly stabbed while attempting to protect his family, with the attackers escaping with his firearm and other valuables.
Security agencies are investigating Colonel Ude’s killing and working to identify and arrest those responsible.
