Breaking: Tension as Serving Nigerian Army Colonel Gunned Down

• A serving Nigerian Army colonel was killed after gunmen attacked his home in the Kurudu District of Abuja on Monday evening
• Colonel Abdussalam Ude reportedly fought back as attackers tried to abduct him, leading to a deadly confrontation at his residence
• The Colonel's wife, driver, and security guard all suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for treatment

A Nigerian Army colonel has been killed following a violent attack on his home in the Kurudu District of Abuja on Monday evening, with his wife, driver, and security guard also left with gunshot wounds.

The officer, identified as Colonel Abdussalam Ude, was attacked shortly after arriving at his residence. Security sources said the gunmen intended to abduct him, but he fought back. "He resisted them.

Daily Trust reported that from what investigators have gathered, they wanted to take him away, but he fought back. Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price," a source close to the preliminary investigation said.

When they could not take him away, the attackers shot him multiple times before escaping the scene. His wife, driver, and security guard were rushed to hospital, where they are receiving treatment for gunshot injuries of varying severity.

Colonel Ude's military career

Colonel Ude was a native of Enugu State and held several senior roles in intelligence and counter-terrorism within the Nigerian Armed Forces. He served in operations against insurgents in the North East and was deployed on international assignments in Chad and France, contributing to intelligence and security cooperation efforts. Colleagues described him as a courageous and well-respected officer whose commitment to service earned him broad admiration across the military. At the time of his death, he had been on course for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General.

He is to be buried at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites.

Manhunt launched after Abuja attack

Security agencies have opened investigations and are actively searching for the perpetrators. The killing has intensified concerns about the safety of serving and retired military officers in Abuja, especially those who have held sensitive intelligence and operational positions.

The incident draws comparisons to the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, who was killed roughly two years ago when armed men broke into his home in the Lokogoma area of Abuja while he was defending his family. The attackers left with his firearm and other valuables.

List of former generals killed by bandits

Legit.ng earlier reported that since 2015, insecurity has become one of the key issues shaping the political landscape of the country, particularly during elections. While hundreds of thousands of civilians and security operatives have been killed, retired generals, who are supposed to be enjoying their retirement, have also been hit.

The affected retired generals have either been killed, tortured, harassed, or forced to pay ransom from their retirement benefits, as well as donations from friends and loved ones, to stay alive.

Top on the list was Major General Rabe Abubakar, who was the former director of defence information, but was abducted along with his wife in their vehicle while they were travelling towards Katsina on Saturday, May 30, 2026, to an unknown place.