A serving Nigerian military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude has been slain after he allegedly resisted an attempt by armed persons to abduct him at his apartment in Kurudu area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The incident happened Monday night just after the senior cop arrived at his residence. The attackers ambushed him as he stepped out of his vehicle in what is considered to be a planned kidnapping operation, security officials said.
Sources said Colonel Ude fought back against the assault despite being outnumbered. He allegedly refused to surrender and was shot at close range by the shooters, killing him on the spot.
His wife, driver and security guard were also shot. They were brought to a hospital and are undergoing medical treatment.
Next year, Colonel Ude from Enugu State was said to be scheduled for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. He was a highly-respected officer in military intelligence who served in various strategic intelligence and anti terrorism operations, security officials said.
Before his death, he reportedly took part in military operations against militants in the North-East and international intelligence missions in Chad and France.
Security services are seeking to identify and apprehend those involved and an inquiry has been opened into the killing. The purpose for the attack has not yet been officially determined.
He will be buried in accordance with Islamic customs in Abuja.
The incident has raised renewed fears of insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory, especially attacks on serving and retired military members.
The incident brings back memories of the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere in June 2024 after armed men stormed his apartment in the Lokogoma suburb of Abuja.
As at the time of preparing this story, no official statement has been issued by the Nigerian military and other security authorities on the occurrence.
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