A senior Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Abdussalam A. Ude, has been killed by gunmen during a suspected kidnap attempt in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Colonel Ude, who was the Commanding Officer of the 177 Guards Battalion, was reportedly attacked on Sunday night while attempting to intervene during what security sources described as a kidnapping incident along the Keffi–Akwanga Road. Initial reports indicate that the assailants opened fire, fatally wounding the senior officer before fleeing the scene.
Military authorities confirmed the incident, describing Colonel Ude’s death as a tragic loss to the Nigerian Armed Forces. The Army said the late officer demonstrated exceptional courage while responding to the security threat.
According to security sources, the attackers also abducted two individuals during the incident before escaping into a nearby forest. Security personnel were immediately deployed to the area and have since launched a coordinated operation to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.
The Nigerian Army said troops, working alongside other security agencies, have intensified efforts to track down the gunmen, assuring the public that every effort is being made to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Colonel Ude was widely regarded as a dedicated and professional officer who served in several operational and command capacities during his military career. His death has drawn tributes from colleagues and members of the public, who described him as a courageous officer committed to protecting lives and property.
The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of Nigeria’s North-Central region, where cases of kidnapping for ransom and armed attacks have continued to pose serious concerns despite ongoing security operations.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities had not released further details on the identities of the abducted victims or the motive behind the attack. Investigations are ongoing, while security has been reinforced in the affected area.
