By Ado Oyeyemi
A serving officer of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has been shot dead by gunmen who reportedly attempted to abduct him at his residence in the Army Post Service Estate, Kurudu, Abuja.
The incident occurred shortly after the senior military officer returned home from work, with sources saying he was attacked by heavily armed assailants who allegedly tried to whisk him away.
It was gathered that the officer resisted the abduction attempt before he was fatally shot by the attackers.
During the attack, the gunmen also reportedly opened fire on members of his household, leaving his wife, driver and security guard with gunshot wounds.
The three injured victims were rushed to a hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Col. Ude, who hailed from Nsukka in Enugu State, was a member of the 50 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and had served in several counter insurgency operations in the North East, as well as other international assignments.
He was also said to be proficient in Arabic and several other foreign languages, skills that reportedly enhanced his intelligence duties.
Sources within the military described the deceased officer as a courageous and highly respected intelligence operative who remained calm even under extreme danger.
A source familiar with the incident, who requested anonymity, said preliminary findings indicated that the attackers intended to abduct the officer but he resisted the attempt.
According to the source, the officer paid the ultimate price for refusing to surrender to the gunmen.
It was further gathered that Col. Ude and members of his course were expected to be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and equivalent ranks in the other armed services later this year.
Security agencies have since launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those behind the attack.
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The slain officer was buried on Tuesday in accordance with Islamic rites.
