•••Wife and Two Others Injured
Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
A serving Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, has been killed after gunmen attacked his residence in the Kurudu area of Nasarawa near the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The incident occurred on Monday evening shortly after the senior military officer returned home from work.
His wife, driver and security guard also sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and are receiving treatment in hospital.
Security sources said the assailants attempted to abduct the officer but met resistance.
“He resisted them. From what investigators have gathered, they wanted to take him away, but he fought back. Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price,” a source said.
According to sources, the attackers opened fire on the officer as he arrived at his residence. After failing to take him away, they allegedly shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene.
Security agencies have launched an investigation and a manhunt to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. The motive has not been officially established.
Colonel Ude, an indigene of Enugu State, served in the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps and held several strategic intelligence and counter-terrorism appointments during his career.
He participated in operations against insurgents in the North-East and also undertook international assignments in Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence and security cooperation efforts.
Military colleagues described him as a courageous and highly respected officer known for his dedication to duty.
He was reportedly being considered for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.
The killing has renewed concerns over attacks targeting serving and retired military personnel in or around Abuja, particularly those who have occupied sensitive operational and intelligence positions.
The incident comes two years after retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere was killed during an attack on his residence in the Lokogoma area of Abuja while defending his family.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement on Colonel Ude’s death. Investigations into the attack are ongoing.
