Intelligence Officer Slain Shielding Family in Abuja

​ABUJA — The nation’s security community is in mourning following the tragic assassination of Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, a senior military intelligence officer who was gunned down late Monday evening. Colonel Ude was killed at his residence in the Kurudu District of the Federal Capital Territory after staging a courageous, lone defense to prevent armed assailants from abducting him and harming his household.

​According to security sources close to the preliminary investigation, a heavily armed gang ambushed the officer just as he arrived home and stepped out of his vehicle. Rather than capitulating, Colonel Ude mounted a fierce resistance against the numerically superior attackers. While his tactical defiance ultimately foiled the abduction plot, enraged the gunmen shot him multiple times at close range.

​The violent intrusion also left members of his household in the line of fire. His wife, personal driver, and security guard sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries during the onslaught and were immediately rushed to a medical facility, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

​A Distinguished and Strategic Career

​Hailing from Enugu State, Colonel Ude was widely recognized within military circles as a consummate professional and a strategic asset to the Armed Forces. Prior to his untimely death, he was slated for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year.

​His service record spans critical national security architectures, including extensive counter-terrorism operations across Nigeria’s volatile North-East. Beyond domestic campaigns, Colonel Ude represented the nation on high-stakes international assignments, notably contributing to bilateral intelligence and security cooperation frameworks in the Republic of Chad and France.

​Associates and security sources remember him as a disciplined, unflappable officer who maintained extraordinary composure under pressure—traits that ultimately defined his final moments.

​Growing Vulnerability in the FCT

​The brazen attack has reignited urgent debates surrounding the security of high-ranking military personnel—both active and retired—residing within the nation’s capital.

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​This incident bears chilling similarities to the June 2024 murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, who was stabbed to death by home invaders at Sunshine Homes Estate in Abuja’s Lokogoma district while similarly attempting to shield his family.

​Security analysts note that the latest tragedy is bound to catalyze renewed pressure on defense and intelligence authorities to overhaul residential security protocols for officers who have held sensitive operational portfolios.

​Funeral and Ongoing Manhunt

​In accordance with Islamic rites, Colonel Ude’s burial is scheduled to take place today at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja.

​Meanwhile, a joint security task force has launched a comprehensive manhunt to track down the perpetrators, unravel the exact motives behind the assassination, and bring those responsible to justice.