A serving Nigerian Army colonel, Abdussalam Ude, was shot dead after allegedly resisting an attempt by armed men to abduct him at his residence in the Kurudu area on the outskirts of Abuja.

The attack, which occurred on Monday evening, also left the officer’s wife, his driver and a security guard with gunshot injuries.

According to reports, the assailants attacked shortly after the senior military intelligence officer arrived at his residence. The gunmen reportedly opened fire as he alighted from his vehicle before attempting to abduct him.

Despite being outnumbered, Ude was said to have resisted the attackers, preventing them from taking him away.

Security sources said the gunmen subsequently shot him multiple times at close range, killing him at the scene.

His wife, driver and security guard sustained gunshot wounds during the attack and were rushed to hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

The Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

When contacted, the Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, said she would respond after obtaining further details.

The killing has heightened concerns over the growing insecurity around the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring communities, where cases of kidnapping and violent attacks have become increasingly frequent.