Gunmen have killed a Nigerian Army Colonel, Abdulsalam Ude, and also injured his wife alongside two others during a violent attack on his residence in Abuja.
The armed men invaded Ude’ residence and reportedly shot the deceased, who was returning from home from work, leading to his death, never also shot his wife, driver and security, leaving them with gunshot wounds and in need of medical intervention before fleeing the scene.
After the attack on Tuesday at the Kurudu area, the injured victims were immediately taken to a medical facility, where they are currently receiving treatment.
A security source familiar who narrated the incident said that the attack quickly escalated after the armed men encountered resistance.
He mentioned that the attackers appeared to be on a kidnapping mission, but the situation turned deadly, adding that security agencies have reportedly launched efforts to identify and arrest those behind the deadly assault.
The casualty, an indigene of Enugu State, served in the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps and held several strategic intelligence and counter-terrorism appointments throughout his military career.
He also participated in counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East and undertook international assignments in the Republic of Chad and France, contributing to intelligence collaboration and security cooperation.
Colleagues who worked with the slain officer described him as a dedicated professional whose commitment to national security earned him widespread respect within the military.
One of them emotionally stated that Ude was an experienced intelligence officer who served the country with distinction in several sensitive assignments.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement on the killing, while security agencies continued investigations into the attack.