Army rescues retired Colonel from kidnappers in Plateau

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued a retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Ajanaku (retd.), who was abducted by gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The Nigerian Army disclosed in a statement issued via its official X handle on Tuesday that the retired officer was kidnapped 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 in Bassa LGA.

According to the statement, troops of Sectors 1 and 3 of Operation Enduring Peace swiftly mobilised after receiving a distress call and pursued the kidnappers along their escape route through the Wildlife Park.

Later that day, at about 2:00 p.m., the kidnappers reportedly contacted the victim’s wife and demanded a ransom of ₦200 million.

The Army said the abductors threatened to kill the retired officer if the search operation was not halted, having noticed the intense pressure from pursuing troops.

In response, the troops tactically switched to covert operations, a move that eventually led to the successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku at about 5:30 p.m. on January 5, 2026, at the outskirts of the Rafiki Axis in Bassa LGA, without the payment of any ransom.

The Army confirmed that the rescued officer is currently undergoing medical examination at the Operation Enduring Peace Medical Centre and is in stable condition. He will also be debriefed to provide useful intelligence to support ongoing operations.

Meanwhile, troops have continued combing surrounding forests to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and dismantle their criminal network. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and vowed to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the joint operations area.