The Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has confirmed the death of one of its senior officers, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, who was fatally shot during an attack on his residence at the Phase 5 Army Housing Estate in Kurudu, Abuja.
Colonel Ude was killed in a gun battle with armed men who attempted to abduct him. His wife, driver and security guard also sustained injuries during the attack.
In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, the DIA said the officer was attacked by unidentified assailants at about 10:45 p.m. on Monday, 27 July.
“Security and law enforcement agencies have commenced a full investigation into the incident, and every effort is being made to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible,” the statement, signed by the Acting Assistant Director of Protocol, J.E. Oti, said.
The agency described Colonel Ude as a dedicated officer who served Nigeria with “exceptional dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment” to national defence and security.
“The Agency is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident are thoroughly investigated,” the statement added.
The DIA also extended its condolences to Colonel Ude’s family, colleagues and members of the Armed Forces.
Before his death, Colonel Ude served in several strategic military intelligence and counter-terrorism roles, including operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-east and international intelligence assignments in Chad and France.
A native of Enugu State, Colonel Ude was due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year. He was laid to rest on Tuesday at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites.
The attack is the latest in a series of security breaches at the Army Housing Estate. In January 2024, gunmen invaded the Phase 2 section of the estate and abducted the wife and an in-law of a resident, Cyril Adikwu, after firing sporadically for several minutes. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ₦30 million ransom for the victims’ release.
The estate came under attack again in April this year when suspected kidnappers attempted to abduct another resident. Security personnel engaged the assailants in a gun battle, killing one suspected kidnapper and foiling the abduction attempt. Police later confirmed that an investigation into the incident had commenced.
Abuja has experienced a rise in kidnapping incidents in recent years, particularly in satellite communities on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory. In response, security agencies have intensified operations across the city, leading to the arrest of several suspected kidnappers and the dismantling of a number of criminal networks.
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