A senior military officer, Abdulsalam Ude, a colonel with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), has been killed after resisting an attempted abduction at his residence in Abuja.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by J.E. Oti, Acting Assistant Director of Protocol at the DIA, the incident occurred shortly after the officer arrived at his home in Phase 5, Army Housing Estate, Kurudu, on the outskirts of Abuja, 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.
Oti explained that the gunmen attacked in an attempt to abduct the officer, but he resisted, leading to his death.
“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 extended its condolences to the family of the deceased officer, his colleagues, and all members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to its constitutional mandate of safeguarding national security and assured the public that it would collaborate with relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the killing are identified and brought to justice.