A serving Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has been shot dead after armed men attempted to abduct him at his residence in the Kurudu District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. (Leadership)
According to security sources, the attackers ambushed the senior military intelligence officer on Monday evening shortly after he arrived home. The gunmen opened fire as he alighted from his vehicle and attempted to force him into captivity. (Leadership)
Rather than surrender, Colonel Ude reportedly fought back despite being heavily outnumbered. Security officials said his resistance prevented the assailants from abducting him, but he was shot multiple times at close range during the confrontation and died from his injuries. (Leadership)
The attack also left members of his household injured. His wife, driver and a security guard sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Their conditions have not been officially disclosed. (Leadership)
Colonel Ude, who hailed from Enugu State, served in military intelligence and was widely regarded as an experienced officer. Security sources said he was due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year. (PRNigeria News)
Security agencies have launched an investigation and are pursuing the gunmen, who fled the scene immediately after the attack. No arrests had been announced as of Tuesday, and no group has claimed responsibility. (Leadership)
The killing has heightened concerns over the growing boldness of kidnappers and armed criminal gangs operating in and around the Federal Capital Territory. Although Abuja has traditionally been viewed as one of Nigeria’s more secure cities, recent months have seen an increase in abductions and attacks targeting residents in satellite communities and parts of the capital.
The latest incident is expected to intensify calls for stronger security measures across the FCT, particularly following the killing of a senior military officer within the nation’s capital. Investigators are working to determine whether the attack was a targeted assassination or part of a broader kidnapping operation.
