DIA Colonel Killed After Resisting Abduction Attempt at Abuja Residence

A senior officer of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Colonel Abdulsalam Ude, has been killed after armed assailants allegedly attempted to abduct him at his residence in Abuja.

The incident occurred at about 10:45 p.m. on Monday in Phase 5 of the Army Housing Estate, Kurudu, on the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the DIA’s Acting Assistant Director of Protocol, J.E. Oti.

The agency said Colonel Ude had just arrived home when gunmen confronted him in what authorities described as an attempted kidnapping. The senior military officer reportedly resisted the attackers, who opened fire during the confrontation.

He sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to a medical facility, where he was later confirmed dead despite efforts to save his life.

In the aftermath of the attack, security personnel launched a coordinated operation in the area. The DIA disclosed that one of the suspected attackers was neutralised during the pursuit, while another was arrested with gunshot injuries. The remaining suspects reportedly fled the scene and are being tracked by security agencies.

The Defence Intelligence Agency condemned the killing and described it as a tragic loss to the military and the nation. The agency extended its condolences to the family of the deceased officer, assuring that all those responsible for the attack would be identified and brought to justice.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over the activities of criminal gangs operating within and around the Federal Capital Territory, where cases of kidnapping and violent attacks have persisted despite intensified security operations.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing, while efforts have been stepped up to apprehend the fleeing suspects and determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.

Colonel Ude served with the Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigeria’s military intelligence organisation responsible for gathering and analysing intelligence to support national defence and security operations. His death has drawn widespread sympathy within the armed forces and renewed calls for stronger measures to combat violent crime in and around Abuja.