Gunmen attack Defence Intelligence Agency officer at Army Housing Estate residence, triggering massive manhunt
By Our Correspondent
A senior military intelligence officer has been killed after putting up a fierce resistance against gunmen who stormed his Abuja residence in a botched abduction attempt.
Colonel Abdulsalam Ude, an officer with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), was attacked at his home in Phase 5, Army Housing Estate, Kurudu, on the outskirts of the nation’s capital at approximately 10:45 pm on Monday—shortly after he arrived.
‘He Fought Back’
The assailants attempted to abduct the senior officer, but Ude resisted, leading to his tragic death, according to DIA acting Assistant Director of Protocol, J.E. Oti.
“The agency is deeply saddened by this unfortunate loss,” the statement read. “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.”
Full-Scale Manhunt Underway
Security agencies have launched a massive operation to track down the killers, with the DIA vowing that “every effort is being made to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.”
The agency confirmed it is working closely with relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
A Grave Loss to National Security
Colonel Ude’s death marks a significant blow to Nigeria’s intelligence community, coming amid heightened security concerns in the Federal Capital Territory.
“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 statement added.
Condolences Pour In
The DIA extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, his colleagues, and all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, pledging unwavering commitment to fulfilling its constitutional mandate of protecting national security.
Abdulsalam Ude
