Gunmen k!ll Army colonel for resisting abduction attempt, shoot wife and two others in Nasarawa

A serving Nigerian military intelligence officer Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has been shot d3ad after reportedly resisting armed men who attempted to abduct him at his residence in the Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The senior officer, who hailed from Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area of Enugu State and was said to be due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year, was attacked shortly after arriving at his residence on Monday evening, July 27, 2026.

Security sources told PRNigeria that the assailants ambushed the officer as he alighted from his vehicle and opened fire in an apparent attempt to abduct him.

Rather than surrender, Colonel Ude reportedly fought back despite being heavily outnumbered, frustrating the kidnappers’ attempt to take him away.

According to the sources, the gunmen subsequently shot him multiple times at close range, k!lling him on the spot.

During the attack, the assailants also opened fire on members of his household, leaving his wife, driver and security guard with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. 

The victims were rushed to a hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.

A security source described the slain officer as a courageous and highly respected intelligence operative who remained resolute despite the danger.

“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.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, while security agencies are working to identify and apprehend those behind the attack.

Before his d3ath, Colonel Ude served in several strategic military intelligence and counter-terrorism roles within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

He reportedly participated in numerous operations against insurgents in the North-East and undertook specialised international assignments in the Republic of Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence gathering and security cooperation.

His burial is scheduled to take place at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites.