“Military Intelligence Officer Col. Abdussalam Ude Killed While Resisting Abduction At Abuja Home” — Wife, Driver, Guard Injured

A serving Nigerian military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has reportedly been shot dead by armed men who attempted to abduct him from his residence in the Kurudu area of Abuja.

The senior officer was reportedly attacked on Monday evening, July 27, 2026, shortly after arriving at his residence and alighting from his vehicle.

According to security sources cited by PRNigeria, the assailants opened fire and attempted to forcefully take Ude away, but the officer resisted despite being outnumbered.

The sources said his resistance prevented the gunmen from abducting him alive, but the attackers subsequently shot him several times at close range before fleeing the scene.

Ude’s wife, driver and security guard were also reportedly shot during the attack and sustained injuries of varying degrees.

They were said to have been taken to a hospital, where they were receiving treatment.

A source familiar with the preliminary investigation said the attackers appeared determined to abduct the officer but encountered resistance from him.

“He resisted them. From what investigators have gathered, they wanted to take him away, but he fought back. Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price,” the source was quoted as saying.

The circumstances surrounding the attack and the motive of the assailants remained unclear, while security agencies were said to have begun efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Ude, who reportedly hailed from Enugu State, was described by colleagues and security sources as an experienced and highly respected intelligence officer.

He was said to have served in several strategic military intelligence and counterterrorism appointments within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The late officer reportedly participated in operations against insurgents in the North-East and undertook specialised international assignments in the Republic of Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence and security cooperation efforts.

He was also reportedly due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General in 2027.

His burial was scheduled to take place at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja on Tuesday, July 28, in accordance with Islamic rites.

The killing has renewed concerns over attacks on serving and retired military personnel in the Federal Capital Territory.

In June 2024, retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere was killed after armed men invaded his residence at Sunshine Homes Estate in the Lokogoma area of Abuja.

The assailants reportedly attacked Udokwere while he attempted to protect his family before escaping with his firearm and other valuables.

Security experts have repeatedly called for improved protection for military personnel who hold or previously occupied sensitive operational and intelligence positions.

At the time of publication, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the FCT Police Command had not publicly confirmed Ude’s killing or provided details of any arrests connected with the attack.