A senior officer of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Colonel Abdulsalam Ude, has been killed after resisting an attempted abduction by armed men at his residence in Abuja.
The incident occurred at about 10:45 p.m. on Monday at Phase 5, Army Housing Estate, Kurudu, on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory, shortly after the officer returned home.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Acting Assistant Director of Protocol at the DIA, J.E. Oti, said the attackers attempted to abduct the senior intelligence officer but he resisted.
“The agency is deeply saddened by this unfortunate loss. The late senior officer served the nation with exceptional dedication, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the defence and security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement said.
According to the agency, security operatives have launched investigations and intensified efforts to track down those behind the attack.
“Every effort is being made to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible. The agency is working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident are thoroughly investigated,” the statement said.
“The agency remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s security and assures the public that it will continue to work with all relevant agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.”
The DIA expressed condolences to the officer’s family, colleagues and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the country’s national security.
Security sources, however, said the gunmen opened fire on the officer after he resisted being taken away. His wife, driver, and security guard reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and are receiving treatment in the hospital.
Colonel Ude, who reportedly hailed from Enugu State, was said to have served in several strategic roles in military intelligence and counter-terrorism.
He participated in operations against insurgents in the North-East and also undertook specialised international intelligence assignments, including deployments to Chad and France. He was reportedly due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General next year.
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