Nigerian Army colonel shot dead resisting kidnappers in Abuja

A Nigerian Army colonel, Abdussalam Ude, was fatally shot while bravely resisting an attempted kidnapping at his home in the Kurudu area of Abuja. The senior military intelligence officer was reportedly attacked shortly after arriving at his residence on Monday evening.

According to reports, the assailants opened fire as Colonel Ude alighted from his vehicle, intending to abduct him. Despite being outnumbered, he resisted the armed attackers, successfully preventing them from whisking him away. However, the gunmen subsequently shot him multiple times at close range, resulting in his death.

The attack also left the officer's wife, his driver, and a security guard with gunshot injuries. They have been hospitalized and are currently receiving treatment for their wounds. The Nigerian Army has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident. Efforts are underway by security agencies to identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the attack.

Colonel Ude, who hailed from Enugu State, had a distinguished career in military intelligence, serving in strategic counter-terrorism roles and participating in operations in Nigeria's North-east. He had also undertaken specialized international assignments. He was slated for promotion to the rank of brigadier general next year. His burial was scheduled to take place on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites.

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The assailants subsequently shot him multiple times at close range, killing him.