A serving Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, was shot dead by gunmen on Monday evening in Kurudu, Abuja, during what is believed to have been a suspected abduction attempt at his residence.
According to sources, the attack occurred shortly after the senior officer returned home from work. The gunmen allegedly attempted to abduct the colonel or members of his family, but the incident turned violent. During the attack, Colonel Ude was fatally shot, while his wife, driver, and security guard sustained gunshot injuries.
The three injured victims were rushed to hospital for treatment. As of the time of this report, their condition has not been officially disclosed. The exact motive behind the attack has not been established by security agencies.
Colonel Ude, who hailed from Enugu State, served in the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps. He held several strategic intelligence and counter-terrorism appointments during his career. He was also said to have participated in operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-East.
The late colonel had further served on international assignments in the Republic of Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence and security cooperation. Military authorities said his service record reflected years of commitment to national and regional security.
The Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement on the incident as of press time. Security agencies, in collaboration with military authorities, have commenced investigations to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
