- Driver, guard also shot in violent ambush
A targeted, high-profile ambush on Monday, July 26, shattered the evening quiet of Kurudu District in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a serving Colonel of the Nigerian Army was killed and his wife critically injured in a deadly attack.
Reports said some unknown gunmen swarmed the residence of Colonel Abdussalam Ude shortly after he arrived home, unleashing a rapid volley of gunfire and the ruthless assault claimed his life on the spot, leaving the wife fighting for survival due to severe gunshot wounds sustained during the chaotic incident.
According to PRNigeria, the precision of the attack turned the suburban enclave into a bloody crime scene within minutes, with the dead Military officer’s driver and personal security guard also caught in the crossfire, where they sustained serious injuries in a desperate attempt to navigate the ambush.
Citing security sources, the platform reported that the attackers had attempted to abduct the officer but met stiff resistance, adding: “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 source familiar with the preliminary investigation was also quoted as hinting that after failing to take him away, the assailants allegedly shot the officer multiple times before fleeing the scene, while his wife, driver and security guard were rushed to hospital and are currently receiving treatment for varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
Competent security sources said the deadly attack has sent shockwaves through military circles, coming as Colonel Ude was preparing for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.
The deceased officer, who hailed from Enugu State, had served in several strategic intelligence and counter terrorism roles within the Armed Forces. He also participated in operations against insurgents in the North East and was deployed on specialised international assignments in Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence and security cooperation.
Colleagues described him as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer whose dedication to duty earned him widespread admiration within the military.
Competent military sources disclosed that in accordance with sacred Islamic rites, family members, military colleagues, and local mourners will be gathering at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja in quiet solemnity to perform the Janazah prayer to honor the late Colonel and commit him to mother earth.
Meanwhile, security agencies have commenced investigations into the attack and launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, even as the unfortunate development renewed concerns over attacks on serving and retired military officers in Abuja, particularly those who have occupied sensitive operational and intelligence positions.
Recalled that about two years ago, Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere (rtd) was killed by armed men who invaded his residence in the Lokogoma area of Abuja as he defended his family with the attackers reportedly escaping with his firearm and other valuables.
