A serving Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps officer, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, has been killed after gunmen attacked his residence in the Kurudu area of Abuja, in what security sources believe was an attempted abduction. The attack also left his wife, driver and security guard with gunshot injuries, raising fresh concerns over the worsening security situation in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to preliminary reports, the assailants struck shortly after the senior military officer returned home from work. Investigators believe the gunmen attempted to abduct the colonel, but he resisted, leading to a violent confrontation during which he was shot multiple times. His wife, driver and security guard were also injured before the attackers fled the scene. The injured victims are receiving medical treatment.
Colonel Ude, an indigene of Enugu State, served in several strategic intelligence and counter-terrorism roles within the Nigerian Armed Forces. He reportedly participated in military operations against insurgents in the North-East and undertook specialised international assignments in Chad and France, contributing to intelligence-sharing and regional security cooperation. Colleagues described him as a courageous and highly respected officer who was due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.
Military authorities and other security agencies have launched an investigation into the attack and commenced a manhunt for those responsible. The incident has renewed fears over the increasing number of attacks targeting both serving and retired military officers in Abuja, particularly those who have held sensitive intelligence and operational positions.
The killing has further intensified public concern about insecurity in the nation’s capital. Analysts argue that the attack demonstrates that no section of society is immune from violent crime and underscores the urgent need for improved intelligence gathering, effective policing, rapid emergency response and stronger measures to dismantle criminal networks operating within and around the Federal Capital Territory.
