Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A serving Nigerian Army colonel has been shot dead after gunmen attacked his residence in the Kurudu area of Abuja on Monday evening, July 27, 2026, in a violent incident that also left his wife, driver and security guard with gunshot wounds. The slain officer, identified as Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, a member of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, was reportedly attacked shortly after returning home from work when the assailants opened fire as he alighted from his vehicle.
Security sources told PRNigeria that the gunmen ambushed the senior officer in an apparent attempt to abduct him. Rather than surrender, Colonel Ude fought back despite being heavily outnumbered, frustrating the kidnappers' attempt to take him away. When they could not subdue him, the attackers shot him multiple times at close range, killing him on the spot. During the assault, the gunmen also opened fire on members of his household, leaving his wife, driver and security guard with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. The injured victims were rushed to a hospital where they are currently receiving medical attention.
Colonel Ude, an indigene of Enugu State and a member of the 50 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, was widely regarded as a dedicated and highly respected professional within the intelligence community. He served in several strategic intelligence and counter-terrorism roles within the Armed Forces of Nigeria, participating in numerous operations against insurgents in the North-East and undertaking specialised international assignments in the Republic of Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence gathering and security cooperation. He spoke Arabic and other foreign languages fluently, which aided operations. He was due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year. Colleagues described him as a courageous officer who remained composed even in the face of imminent danger. "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 security source said.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, and security agencies are working to identify and apprehend those responsible. As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement on the incident. His burial was scheduled to take place at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites. The killing has renewed concerns over the growing spate of attacks targeting serving and retired military personnel in the Federal Capital Territory. The incident bears similarities to the killing of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, who was murdered on June 22, 2024, after armed men invaded his residence at Sunshine Homes Estate in the Lokogoma area of Abuja. Kurudu, where the incident occurred, is located on the outskirts of Abuja and is home to thousands of residents, including army officers and soldiers at army estates. Security experts believe the latest attack could heighten calls for improved security for serving and retired military officers, particularly those who have held sensitive operational and intelligence positions.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments