Troops Rescue Retired Colonel in Plateau

T Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have successfully rescued a retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Ajanaku (Rtd), from kidnappers in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, following a swift, intelligence-driven operation that foiled a ?200 million ransom demand.

Colonel Ajanaku was abducted in the early hours of Monday, January 5, 2026, at about 12:45 a.m., from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road, Bassa LGA. Military sources said troops of Sectors 1 and 3 of Operation ENDURING PEACE were immediately mobilised after a distress call was received, trailing the kidnappers along their withdrawal route through the Wildlife Park.

The rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Tracking Team and local vigilantes, as troops combed caves and rocky high grounds believed to be criminal hideouts within the area.

According to the military, the kidnappers later contacted the wife of the retired officer at about 2:00 p.m., demanding a ransom of ?200 million and threatening to kill their victim if the ongoing search operations were not halted.

A military source disclosed that troops tactically adjusted their approach in response to the threat. “In order to safeguard the life of the victim, troops switched to covert operations while maintaining pressure on the kidnappers,” the source said.

The strategy paid off, as Colonel Ajanaku was successfully rescued at about 5:30 p.m. on the same day at the outskirts of the Rafiki Axis in Bassa LGA, without the payment of any ransom. Confirming the development, the Nigerian Army said the rescued officer is currently receiving medical attention.

“The retired officer is undergoing medical examination at the Operation ENDURING PEACE Medical Centre and is in stable condition. He will be debriefed to provide vital intelligence to support follow-up operations,” the Army stated.

Meanwhile, troops have intensified aggressive combing operations in surrounding forests to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle their criminal network.

Reaffirming its resolve, the Nigerian Army said it remains committed to protecting lives and property. “Operation ENDURING PEACE will continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area,” the statement added.