Military Intelligence Officer Killed Resisting Abduction in Abuja
A serving military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, was shot dead after reportedly resisting an abduction attempt by armed men at his residence in the Kurudu area of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The attack occurred on Monday evening shortly after the senior officer returned home.
According to security sources, the gunmen confronted him as he stepped out of his vehicle and attempted to force him away from the premises.
Rather than surrender, Ude reportedly resisted the attackers despite being outnumbered. The assailants allegedly opened fire on him, inflicting multiple gunshot wounds that proved fatal.
During the incident, the gunmen also shot the officer’s wife, driver, and security guard. The three victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and were taken to hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Security sources described the late officer as an experienced intelligence operative who served in several strategic military roles, particularly in intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism operations.
Before his death, he participated in operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East and was involved in international security assignments in Chad and France.
The sources added that Ude, who hailed from Enugu State, had built a reputation for professionalism during his military career and was expected to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General next year.
Security agencies have commenced investigations into the attack and are working to determine the motive behind the killing, as well as identify and apprehend those responsible.
The late officer is scheduled to be buried on Tuesday at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites.
The killing has renewed concerns over attacks on military personnel in the Federal Capital Territory.
In June 2024, retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere was killed after armed men invaded his residence in the Lokogoma area of Abuja. He reportedly died while defending his family before the attackers fled with his firearm and other valuables.
