… Officer Weeks Away from Brigadier General Promotion as Assailants’ Kidnap Attempt Fails
A serving colonel of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, has been shot dead after gunmen attacked his residence in the Kurudu District of Abuja in what security sources believe was a failed kidnap attempt.
The attackers also shot his wife, driver and security guard during the assault, leaving them with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. They are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
According to security sources quoted by PRNigeria, the incident occurred on Monday evening shortly after the senior military officer returned home.
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Preliminary investigations indicate that the gunmen attempted to abduct Colonel Ude but met stiff 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 familiar with the investigation said.
Unable to take him away, the assailants allegedly opened fire on the officer, shooting him multiple times before fleeing the scene.
The killing has sent shockwaves through military circles, particularly as Colonel Ude was said to be on the verge of promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.
An indigene of Enugu State, the late officer served in several strategic intelligence and counter terrorism operations during his military career. He was actively involved in operations against insurgents in the North East and also undertook specialised international assignments in Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence sharing and security cooperation.
Military colleagues described him as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer whose professionalism and dedication earned him admiration across the Armed Forces.
Security agencies have launched an investigation into the attack and commenced a manhunt for the gunmen.
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The incident has renewed concerns over the growing number of attacks targeting serving and retired military officers in the Federal Capital Territory, especially those who previously occupied sensitive intelligence and operational positions.
The killing comes nearly two years after retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere was shot dead by armed men who invaded his residence in the Lokogoma area of Abuja while he attempted to defend his family. The attackers reportedly escaped with his firearm and other valuables.
Colonel Ude is expected to be buried at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites.
