A serving military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has been killed after reportedly resisting an attempted abduction by armed assailants at his residence in the Kurudu area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to reports, the attackers ambushed the senior officer shortly after he arrived home on Monday evening, opening fire as he stepped out of his vehicle.
The gunmen allegedly attempted to abduct the officer, but he resisted despite being outnumbered. During the confrontation, he was shot multiple times and later succumbed to his injuries.
The attack also left members of his household injured. His wife, driver and security guard sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to a hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Security sources described Colonel Ude, who hailed from Enugu State, as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer with an outstanding record of service. He was reportedly due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year.
Before his death, the late officer held several key appointments in military intelligence and counter-terrorism operations. He participated in numerous operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East and also served on international assignments in Chad and France, contributing to intelligence and security cooperation.
His burial is scheduled for Tuesday at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites.
Security agencies have commenced investigations into the attack and are working to identify and apprehend those responsible, while efforts are also underway to determine the motive behind the killing.
The incident has renewed concerns over attacks targeting serving and retired military personnel in the Federal Capital Territory. It comes more than two years after retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere was killed during a violent attack on his residence in the Lokogoma area of Abuja.
