Nigerian Colonel Killed Resisting Abduction Attempt

A colonel with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Abdulsalam Ude, has died after reportedly resisting an abduction attempt by armed men at his home in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, J.E. Oti, the DIA’s acting assistant director of protocol, said the attackers struck shortly after Ude arrived at his residence in Phase 5 of the Army Housing Estate in Kurudu, on the outskirts of the federal capital, at about 10:45 p.m. on Monday.

“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 reads.

“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 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 sympathy to the late officer’s family, his colleagues, and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria over the loss.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its constitutional responsibility of protecting the country’s national security.

It also assured Nigerians that it would continue to collaborate with relevant security agencies to ensure those behind the killing are identified and prosecuted.