Gunmen have killed a serving officer of the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, at his residence in the Kurudu area of Abuja.
The incident occurred as the Plateau State Police Command arrested three suspects over the alleged mob killing of a 25-year-old Jos-based model, Ibrahim Mbaya, popularly known as “Ibee”, who was reportedly beaten to death after being accused of stealing a mobile phone.
Sources in Abuja, who confirmed Colonel Ude’s death, said the unidentified gunmen opened fire on the officer after he resisted attempts to abduct him or members of his family.
The confrontation reportedly led to a physical struggle, during which the officer and his wife were shot.
Colonel Ude, who was from Enugu State, was said to have encountered the attackers in an ambush on Monday evening after returning from work, raising concerns that the attack may have been targeted.
Sources described the late officer, who was expected to be promoted next year, as a disciplined, professional and approachable military personnel who maintained good relationships with both junior officers and colleagues.
Following his resistance to the abduction attempt, his driver and security guard were also reportedly injured by gunfire and taken to hospital alongside the officer’s wife.
Military authorities have commenced investigations into the incident as efforts continue to identify those responsible for the attack.
Before his death, Colonel Ude held several strategic positions in military intelligence and counter-terrorism operations within the Armed Forces.