Military Intelligence Officer Killed While Fighting Off Kidnap Attempt in Abuja

(Gunmen. Photo by Premuim Times)

Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, a serving military intelligence officer, was shot and killed after allegedly fending off an armed attacker’s attempt to kidnap him at his home in the Kurudu neighborhood of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The attackers attacked the senior cop just after he got home on Monday night and started shooting as he got out of his car, according to people familiar with the situation.

The g^nmen were said to have attempted to kidn@p the officer, but he resisted despite being heavily outnumbered.

Security sources disclosed that his resistance prevented the assailants from taking him away alive, though he was subsequently sh0t multiple times at close range.

During the att@ck, the g^nmen also opened fire on members of his household, leaving his wife, driver and security guard with gunshot injuries.

They were rushed to hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Colonel Ude, a native of Enugu State, was described by colleagues and security officials as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer who was reportedly due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year.

A source close to the preliminary investigation said the officer remained composed throughout the assault, noting that the attackers had intended to abduct him but he put up a fight and ultimately paid the supreme price.

The circumstances surrounding the att@ck remain under investigation, with security agencies said to have commenced efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible.

Before his death, Colonel Ude had served in several strategic military intelligence and counter-terrorism roles within the Armed Forces, including operations against ins^rgents in Nigeria’s North-East, as well as specialised international assignments in the Republic of Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence and security cooperation efforts.

His k!lling has reignited concerns over att@cks targeting serving and retired military personnel within the Federal Capital Territory, drawing comparisons to the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, who was k!lled on June 22, 2024, after armed men stormed his residence at Sunshine Homes Estate in the Lokogoma area of Abuja.

Udokwere was reportedly stabbed to death while defending his family, after which the attackers fled with his firearm and other valuables.

Security analysts say the latest att@ck is likely to renew calls for improved protection for serving and retired military officers, particularly those who have occupied sensitive operational and intelligence positions.

As at the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army was yet to issue an official statement on the incident.