Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have successfully rescued a retired Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Ajanaku (retd.), following his abduction by gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
According to a statement released on Tuesday via the Army’s official X handle, the retired officer was kidnapped in the early hours of Monday, January 5, around 12:45 a.m., from his home opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road in Bassa LGA.
The statement said that soldiers from Sectors 1 and 3 of Operation Enduring Peace promptly mobilised after receiving a distress call and pursued the kidnappers along their escape route through the Wildlife Park.
“Later in the day (Monday), at about 1400 hours, the kidnappers contacted the wife of the abducted retired officer and demanded a ransom of Two Hundred Million Naira (₦200,000,000.00).
“Having observed the overwhelming presence and pressure from pursuing troops, the kidnappers issued threats to kill the victim if search operations were not halted.
“Consequently, troops tactically switched to covert operations, which culminated in the successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku (Rtd) at about 1730 hours on 5 January 2026 at the outskirts of the Rafiki Axis, Bassa LGA, Plateau State, without any ransom payment,” the statement added.
The Army confirmed that the rescued officer is now receiving medical attention at the Operation Enduring Peace Medical Centre and is in stable condition.
“He will be debriefed to provide vital intelligence that will aid ongoing follow-up operations,” the statement said.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace continue to comb the surrounding forests to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and dismantle their criminal network.
The Army reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged to continue denying criminals freedom of action across its operational areas.
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