How Senior Military Intelligence Officer Col. Ude Was Killed in Abuja Attack
Residents of the Kurudu area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have recounted the circumstances surrounding the killing of senior military intelligence officer, Colonel Abdulrasaq Abdussalam Ude, who was attacked outside his residence on Monday evening.
The assailants reportedly struck shortly after the officer returned home, leaving him dead while his wife, driver and security guard sustained gunshot injuries.
According to sources familiar with the preliminary investigation, the attackers allegedly attempted to abduct the officer but met resistance.
The sources said Col. Ude fought back before he was shot multiple times by the assailants, who fled the scene after the attack.
However, a relative of the deceased, Ali Chukwudi, disputed claims that the incident was a failed kidnapping, insisting the officer was deliberately targeted and assassinated.
In a Facebook post, Chukwudi alleged that the attackers shot the officer in the head, while his wife, driver and gatekeeper were also shot in the legs during the attack.
He described the late officer as a dedicated military intelligence operative who was only months away from promotion and called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
Residents of the estate also narrated their experiences on the night of the attack.
A resident identified as Amina described the late officer as a humble and generous neighbour who maintained a cordial relationship with members of the community.
She said the officer, who usually travelled on Mondays and returned on Fridays, unexpectedly arrived home between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. while it was raining.
According to her, her son opened the gate for the officer as usual, while her husband approached the residence to welcome him before gunfire erupted.
She said her husband escaped by taking cover in a nearby culvert before climbing over a fence, while shouting that the attackers were after his employer.
Amina added that residents heard several gunshots and believed about five armed men carried out the attack, although no one saw how they arrived or escaped.
She also disclosed that her son sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh and is receiving treatment alongside the officer’s wife.
When journalists visited the residence, the officer’s daughter declined to comment, saying she was still traumatised by the incident.
The deceased’s younger brother, Yusuf Ude, confirmed that the officer’s wife was responding to treatment, adding that the family’s immediate concern was her recovery.
A heavy military presence was observed around the residence, with armed personnel deployed to secure the area.
Residents called for improved security in the community, saying the incident had heightened fear among those living in the neighbourhood.
Col. Ude, an indigene of Enugu State, served in several intelligence and counter-terrorism operations within and outside Nigeria, including assignments in Chad and France.
He was reportedly preparing for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General before his death.
The late officer was buried on Tuesday in Abuja according to Islamic rites following funeral prayers at the Mambilla Mosque.
His killing has drawn widespread reactions within military circles, where colleagues described him as a courageous and dedicated intelligence officer.
