Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued a retired Army officer, Colonel Ajanaku, who was abducted by gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Nigerian Army disclosed the development on Tuesday via its official X handle, stating that the retired colonel was kidnapped in the early hours of January 5, 2026, from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road, Bassa LGA.
According to the statement, troops from Sectors 1 and 3 of Operation Enduring Peace were immediately mobilised after receiving a distress call and subsequently trailed the kidnappers along their withdrawal route through the Wildlife Park.
The Army revealed that later in the day, at about 2:00 pm, the kidnappers contacted the victim’s wife and demanded a ransom of N200 million.
“Having observed the overwhelming presence and pressure from pursuing troops, the kidnappers issued threats to kill the victim if search operations were not halted,” the statement said.
It added that troops tactically switched to covert operations, a move that led to the successful rescue of the retired officer.
“Consequently, troops tactically switched to covert operations, which culminated in the successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku (retd) about 1730 hours on January 5, 2026, at the outskirts of the Rafiki Axis, Bassa LGA, Plateau State, without any ransom payment,” the Army stated.
The rescued officer is currently undergoing medical examination at the Operation Enduring Peace Medical Centre and is said to be in stable condition.
“He will be debriefed to provide vital intelligence that will aid ongoing follow-up operations,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace have continued combing surrounding forests in a bid to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and dismantle their criminal network.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, pledging to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the joint operations area.
