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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
A serving colonel in the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC), Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has been killed by gunmen at his residence in the Army Post Service Housing Estate, Kurudu, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Col. Ude, an indigene of Nsukka, Enugu State, was shot dead after reportedly putting up fierce resistance against heavily armed gunmen who attempted to abduct him shortly after he returned home from work.
A member of the 50 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), the late officer was widely regarded as a dedicated professional who served in several counter-insurgency operations in the North-East, as well as in international missions. He was fluent in Arabic and other foreign languages, skills said to have enhanced intelligence operations. He and his coursemates were due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General and equivalent ranks in the Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force later this year before his untimely death. It was gathered that the gunmen also opened fire on members of his family during the attack, leaving his wife, driver and security guard with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. The victims were rushed to hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Colleagues described the deceased as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer who remained composed even in the face of imminent danger.
A military source, who requested anonymity, said: “He resisted them. From what investigators have gathered, they wanted to take him away, but he fought back. Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price.”
Meanwhile, the military and other security agencies have commenced investigations to track down the killers of the officer, who was buried on Tuesday evening in accordance with Islamic rites.
