‘How Nigerian Army Colonel was killed in failed abduction plot’

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Nigeria’s military Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) has explained how one of its senior officers, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, was killed at his residence in the Phase 5 Army Housing Estate, Kurudu, Abuja.

Earlier reports had indicated that Ude was shot dead when he resisted gunmen who attempted to abduct him from his residence in Kurudu area of Abuja.

The gunmen were also reportedly shot Ude’s wife, driver and security guard during the attack.

Giving further information on the gruesome incident, the DIA, in a statement Tuesday evening, said the Colonel was attacked by the yet to be identified gunmen at about 10:45 p.m. on Monday, 27 July.

In the statement signed by its acting assistant director, protocol, J.E. Oti, DIA said security and Law Enforcement Agencies have commenced a full investigation into the incident.

It vowed that every effort is being made to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.

According to the agency, late Ude was dedicated professional 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 agency also extended condolences to Mr Ude’s family, his colleagues and members of the Armed Forces.

According to the statement, Ude served in several strategic military intelligence and counter-terrorism positions, including operations against insurgents in Nigeria’s North-east and international intelligence assignments in Chad and France.

The officer, who hailed from Enugu State, was due for promotion to the rank of brigadier general next year.

His was buried on Tuesday at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites