Military intelligence officer killed while resisting abductors in Abuja

A serving Nigerian military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has been shot dead after reportedly resisting armed men who attempted to abduct him at his residence in the Kurudu District of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

The senior officer, who hailed from 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.

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, killing 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 death, 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.

The killing has renewed concerns over the growing spate of attacks targeting serving and retired military personnel in the Federal Capital Territory.

The incident bears similarities to the killing of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, who was murdered on June 22, 2024, after armed men invaded his residence at Sunshine Homes Estate in the Lokogoma area of Abuja.

Udokwere was reportedly stabbed to death while attempting to defend his family before the attackers fled with his firearm and other valuables.

Security experts believe the latest attack could heighten calls for improved security for serving and retired military officers, particularly those who have held sensitive operational and intelligence positions.

Investigations into Colonel Ude’s killing are ongoing as security agencies work to determine the motive behind the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.