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Army Colonel Killed, Wife, Aides Injured as Gunmen Storm Home in Coordinated Attack

Published

2 months ago

July 29, 2026

Army Colonel Killed, Wife, Aides Injured as Gunmen Storm Home in Coordinated Attack

A serving Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Abdussalam Ude, has been killed by gunmen who attacked his residence in a brazen assault that also left his wife, driver, and security guard with gunshot wounds. The incident, which occurred on Monday evening shortly after the senior military officer returned from work, has sent shockwaves through military circles and raised fresh security concerns across the Federal Capital Territory and its environs. The assailants reportedly stormed the Army Post Service Housing Estate in the Kurudu area, attempting to abduct the officer, but Colonel Ude put up fierce resistance against the heavily armed attackers. “He resisted them. From what investigators have gathered, they wanted to take him away, but he fought back. Unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price,” a security source familiar with the preliminary investigation was quoted as saying. After failing to abduct the officer, the gunmen shot him multiple times at close range before fleeing the scene, leaving the colonel fatally wounded. The attack also caught members of his household in the crossfire, as his wife, driver, and security guard sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries and were rushed to a hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment for their wounds.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has issued a clarification regarding the location of the attack, stating that the incident did not occur within the FCT as widely reported in some media outlets. In a statement on Tuesday night, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, explained that investigations ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, established that the attack took place in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, contrary to reports that had linked it to the Federal Capital Territory. The Police Command expressed concern that some blogs and media outlets published the reports without verifying the facts, thereby creating unnecessary panic and misinforming residents of the nation’s capital about the security situation. As a proactive measure, the Commissioner ordered the immediate deployment of operational and intelligence assets to border communities adjoining the FCT with Nasarawa State to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the capital and to reassure residents of the Command’s commitment to their safety and security.

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Colonel Ude, an indigene of Nsukka, Enugu State, served in the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps and was widely regarded as one of the military’s finest intelligence officers. A member of the 50 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he was a dedicated professional who served in various counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East, where he played crucial roles in intelligence gathering and operational planning. He was also deployed on international assignments in the Republic of Chad and France, where he contributed to intelligence-sharing and security cooperation initiatives between Nigeria and its international partners. Colleagues described him as a courageous and highly respected intelligence officer who remained composed even in the face of imminent danger, earning him widespread admiration across the military establishment. Sources revealed that he spoke Arabic and other foreign languages fluently, skills that significantly enhanced his effectiveness in intelligence operations and made him a valuable asset to the Armed Forces. At the time of his death, he and his coursemates were reportedly due for promotion to the rank of Brigadier General later this year, making his untimely death a profound loss to the military community.

Security agencies and military authorities have launched investigations into the attack and commenced a manhunt for those responsible, though as of the time of reporting, no arrests have been announced. The Nigerian Army had not issued an official statement on the incident, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances surrounding the attack and the identity of the perpetrators. The killing has intensified concerns about the safety of serving and retired military officers in and around Abuja, especially those who have held sensitive intelligence and operational positions that may make them targets for criminal elements or insurgent groups. The incident draws troubling comparisons to the murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwere, who was killed approximately two years ago when armed men invaded his residence in the Lokogoma area of Abuja while he was defending his family, with the attackers reportedly escaping with his firearm and other valuables. These repeated attacks on military personnel have sparked renewed calls for enhanced security measures to protect officers and their families from such brazen assaults.

Colonel Abdussalam Ude was buried on Tuesday at the Mambilla Mosque in Abuja in accordance with Islamic rites, with military personnel and family members in attendance to pay their final respects. His untimely death has left a void in the military intelligence community, where he was widely admired for his professionalism, dedication to duty, and unwavering commitment to the security of his nation. As investigations continue and the manhunt for his killers intensifies, colleagues, friends, and family members are left to mourn a distinguished officer whose life was cut short in the service of his country, while security agencies work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.

Army Colonel Killed, Wife, Aides Injured as Gunmen Storm Home in Coordinated Attack

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Police Arrest Five, Recover Three Guns, Ammunition in Enugu

Published

56 minutes ago

October 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa

Police Arrest Five, Recover Three Guns, Ammunition in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested five suspects in separate operations across the state and recovered three firearms, six rounds of live ammunition and other exhibits.

The arrests were made between September 18 and October 7, 2026, as part of the command’s ongoing intelligence-led operations against armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes.

In the latest operation, operatives of the Inyi Police Division responded to a distress call over an alleged armed robbery at Umuaor, Umukabia Isiama Awlaw community in Oji River Local Government Area at about 5:10 a.m. on October 7.

The operation led to the arrest of 26-year-old Arinze Osita Onwuaso, while other suspects reportedly fled the scene.

Police said operatives recovered a locally made cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a pry bar, hammer, scissors and chisel from him.

In another operation on October 5, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Section of the Violent Crime Response Unit, attached to the Nsukka sector, arrested two suspected cult members at Umudioka community in Nsukka Local Government Area.

The suspects were identified as 24-year-old Jonas Adejo, also known as J-Money, and 25-year-old Okoro Innocent, also known as Virus.

According to the police, three rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from the two suspects.

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The command said the suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation to belonging to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, an allegation they would have the opportunity to challenge in court.

A separate operation on September 25 resulted in the arrest of 25-year-old Anichebe Ogbonna at an alleged criminal hideout in Amagu Mpu community, Aninri Local Government Area.

Police operatives, working with members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, reportedly raided the location following intelligence on suspected criminal activities.

A locally made pistol was allegedly recovered from Ogbonna.

Meanwhile, operatives of the 9th Mile Police Division arrested 38-year-old Chukwujekwu Chukwuemeka at Ameke-Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area, at about 11 p.m. on September 18.

The police said Chukwuemeka was arrested following information allegedly linking him to armed robbery activities in the area.

A cut-to-size pump-action gun and one live cartridge were reportedly recovered from him.

The four operations produced a total of five arrests, three firearms and six rounds of ammunition, with investigations continuing into the alleged offences and the suspects’ individual roles.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the officers involved and residents whose information assisted the operations.

Giwa urged residents to continue providing credible information to the police to help prevent armed robbery, cult-related violence and other security threats across the state.

The suspects remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.

Police Arrest Five, Recover Three Guns, Ammunition in Enugu

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Court Grants Alleged Fake JAMB Registrar N50m Bail, Sets Strict Conditions

Published

5 hours ago

October 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Arinze Nwogba

Court Grants Alleged Fake JAMB Registrar N50m Bail, Sets Strict Conditions

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted N50 million bail to Arinze Nwogba, who is facing trial for allegedly impersonating the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Segun Aina.

Justice Salim Ibrahim, in a ruling on Thursday, admitted Nwogba to bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.

The judge held that the alleged offence was bailable and not a capital offence, while noting that Nwogba had indicated through his bail application that he would not abscond and would make himself available for trial.

The court, however, attached stringent conditions to the bail.

One of the sureties must be a Federal Government civil servant not below Grade Level 14, while both sureties must reside within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The judge further directed that one of the sureties must reside in Asokoro, Maitama or Guzape.

Each surety is required to swear an affidavit of means and submit a tax clearance certificate covering the previous two years.

The court also ordered Nwogba and the sureties to submit photocopies of their National Identification slips.

The court registrar was directed to verify the bail documents and issue a report, with the prosecution also required to participate in the verification process.

Importantly, the ruling does not mean Nwogba walks out of custody immediately. He is to remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are perfected.

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The case has been adjourned until October 19, 2026, for commencement of trial.

Nwogba is being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police on a six-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/612/2026.

The police allege that he impersonated Professor Aina by using the JAMB registrar’s photograph on WhatsApp and Truecaller, allegedly with the intention of obtaining financial advantage.

According to the prosecution, a petition was submitted to the Inspector-General of Police over a suspected criminal operation involving the unauthorised use of the registrar’s name, photograph and telephone number to deceive members of the public.

The police alleged that the suspects also used LinkedIn and WhatsApp to approach prospective victims with purported government contracts.

In one alleged scheme, the impersonators reportedly claimed that the Federal Ministry of Education had approved the supply of 200 HP laptops as part of a digitisation programme.

The prosecution alleged that prospective beneficiaries were subsequently asked to make payments, including N900,000 described as an initial “handshake” and another N3 million purportedly for officials of the ministry.

The police said Nwogba was arrested in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, during investigations into the alleged impersonation.

The prosecution further alleged that Nwogba used the operational name Dr Stephen Igwe and admitted forwarding bank account details to a relative allegedly connected with the fraudulent operation.

Another alleged member of the operation, identified by the police as Nnabuife Nwekpa, is said to be at large.

Nwogba pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge and remains presumed innocent unless and until the prosecution proves the allegations against him in court.

The bail ruling therefore allows him an opportunity to secure his release pending trial, but only after satisfying the conditions imposed by the court.

Court Grants Alleged Fake JAMB Registrar N50m Bail, Sets Strict Conditions

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NESREA to Honour Lagos Baale After Dramatic Rescue of Endangered Sea Turtle

Published

5 hours ago

October 8, 2026

Trends Admin

NESREA to Honour Lagos Baale After Dramatic Rescue of Endangered Sea Turtle

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) is set to honour the Baale of Okun Igando in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, after he intervened to save a large sea turtle from being killed by fishermen.

The development followed the rescue of the marine animal after it became entangled in a fishing net along the coastline of the community.

The fishermen reportedly initially believed they had caught a large fish. However, the situation changed after the Baale intervened and stopped attempts to kill or sell the animal.

Chief Jejelaiye urged the fishermen and other residents to release the turtle, while explaining the importance of protecting endangered and threatened marine species.

The fishermen, with the assistance of other community members, carefully freed the animal from the net and returned it alive to the Atlantic Ocean.

The rescue attracted widespread attention after footage of the incident circulated online, with many Nigerians commending the community for choosing to protect the animal rather than kill it.

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NESREA has subsequently commended the Baale and the local fishing community for their intervention, describing the rescue as an example of grassroots environmental conservation.

The agency is expected to issue a Letter of Commendation to Chief Jejelaiye in recognition of his role in preventing harm to the marine animal and promoting wildlife protection within the community.

The incident has also renewed attention to the challenges facing sea turtles in Nigeria, particularly along the Lagos coastline.

Sea turtles are exposed to several threats, including accidental capture in fishing nets, destruction of nesting habitats, pollution, illegal hunting and human consumption.

Conservation efforts in the Ibeju-Lekki area have previously focused on educating fishing communities about the importance of protecting sea turtles and finding ways to reduce conflicts between conservation and fishing activities.

The latest rescue also highlights the role that traditional rulers and coastal communities can play in protecting endangered wildlife.

NESREA, which is responsible for enforcing Nigeria’s environmental laws and regulations, has continued to advocate stronger community participation in biodiversity conservation and environmental protection.

The rescued turtle was identified in reports as a leatherback sea turtle, one of the largest living turtle species. Leatherback turtles face serious threats globally from fishing gear, habitat loss, pollution and other human activities.

The successful release of the turtle back into the ocean has been described as a positive example of what can happen when local communities respond quickly to protect threatened wildlife.

The development is also expected to strengthen calls for greater awareness among fishermen and residents of Nigeria’s coastal communities on how to safely handle marine animals accidentally caught in fishing nets.

For Okun Igando, the intervention by the Baale has turned what could have been the death of a rare marine animal into a notable wildlife conservation success story.