Army Colonel shot dead for resisting kidnap

A serving Nigerian military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, was shot dead after putting up fierce resistance against armed assailants who attempted to abduct him at his residence in the Kurudu District of Abuja, PRNigeria has learnt.

The officer, who hailed from Enugu State, was widely regarded as a dedicated professional and was due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year.

PRNigeria gathered that the attackers ambushed the senior officer shortly after he arrived at his home, opening fire as he alighted from his vehicle on Monday evening.

The gunmen attempted to abduct the officer, but he fought back despite being heavily outnumbered, refusing to surrender to his attackers.

His resistance, security sources said, prevented the assailants from taking him away alive, although they subsequently shot him multiple times at close range.

During the attack, the gunmen 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 hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

Security sources described Colonel Ude as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer who remained composed even in the face of imminent 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,” one source familiar with the preliminary investigation said.

The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation, while security agencies have launched efforts to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

Before his death, Colonel Ude served in several strategic military intelligence and counter-terrorism appointments within the Armed Forces.

He participated in numerous operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East and was deployed on specialised international assignments, including missions in the Republic of Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence and security cooperation efforts.

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

The killing has once again raised concerns over attacks targeting serving and retired military personnel, particularly within the Federal Capital Territory.

The incident recalls the killing of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, who was murdered on 22 June 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 escaped with his firearm and other valuables.

Security experts say the latest attack is likely to intensify calls for enhanced security measures for serving and retired military officers, especially those who have held sensitive operational and intelligence appointments.

Investigations into Colonel Ude’s killing are ongoing, with security agencies working to determine the motive behind the attack and bring those responsible to justice. (By PRNigeria)