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Troops of Operation Enduring Peace successfully rescued Colonel Ajanaku (Rtd.), a retired Nigerian Army officer, after gunmen abducted him in Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The officer was taken from his home opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road on January 5, 2026, at 12:45 a.m..
Swift Military Response
After receiving a distress call, Sectors 1 and 3 of Operation Enduring Peace immediately mobilized. They tracked the kidnappers along their escape route through the Wildlife Park.
Later that day, the kidnappers contacted the officer’s wife and demanded a ₦200 million ransom. They threatened to kill him if the search continued.
Covert Operation Leads to Rescue
The Army switched to covert operations. By 5:30 p.m., troops rescued Colonel Ajanaku near the Rafiki Axis in Bassa LGA. The operation succeeded without paying any ransom.
Officer in Stable Condition
The retired officer is now at the Operation Enduring Peace Medical Centre for examination and is reported to be in stable condition. He will provide intelligence to aid follow-up operations.
Ongoing Security Efforts
Troops continue patrolling surrounding forests to catch the kidnappers and dismantle their network.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and vowed to prevent criminals from operating freely in the region.
