ABUJA — A senior military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has been shot dead after putting up fierce resistance against armed assailants who ambushed him at his residence in the Kurudu area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, also left three members of his household—his wife, driver, and security guard—suffering from varying degrees of gunshot injuries. The injured victims are currently receiving emergency medical treatment.
Sequence of the Ambush
According to preliminary reports and security sources, the armed assailants lay in wait for the senior officer shortly before he arrived home:
- The Ambush: The gunmen opened fire as Colonel Ude alighted from his vehicle at his residence in Kurudu District.
- Fierce Resistance: Security sources revealed that the attackers attempted to forcefully abduct the officer. However, Colonel Ude fought back despite being heavily outnumbered. His resistance prevented the assailants from taking him away alive, though they shot him multiple times at close range.
- Household Targeted: During the violent scuffle, the assailants opened fire on occupants of the compound, wounding his wife, driver, and private security officer before fleeing the scene.
Profile of the Deceased Officer
Colonel Ude, who hailed from Enugu State, was a highly decorated officer within the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC):
OFFICER: Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude
CORPS: Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC)
ORIGIN: Enugu State
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Served in North-East counter-insurgency; Special deployments in Chad & France
PROMOTION STATUS: Due for elevation to Brigadier General next year
Before his death, Colonel Ude served in key operational and counter-terrorism roles across Nigeria’s North-East and participated in international intelligence missions, including deployments in Chad and France. He was reportedly due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year.
Security Response & Investigation
Military authorities and joint security agencies have launched a manhunt to track down the perpetrators. Funeral arrangements were scheduled for Tuesday at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites.
The killing has renewed safety concerns regarding armed targeted attacks on military personnel and residential estates across outer districts of the Federal Capital Territory.
