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Army Successfully Rescues Retired Colonel from Kidnappers in Plateau
Operation Enduring Peace troops in Plateau State successfully rescued retired Colonel Ajanaku from kidnappers in Bassa LGA without paying ransom. Army vows continued operations to dismantle criminal networks.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have successfully rescued retired Colonel Ajanaku following his abduction by gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Army stated via its official X handle that the retired officer 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 quickly mobilised after receiving a distress call and tracked the kidnappers along their escape route through the Wildlife Park.
“Later in the day, around 1400 hours, the kidnappers contacted the wife of the abducted retired officer, demanding a ransom of N200 million. Observing the overwhelming presence and pressure from pursuing troops, the kidnappers threatened to kill the victim if search operations continued,” the Army said.
The statement added that troops switched to covert operations, leading to the safe rescue of Colonel Ajanaku around 1730 hours on January 5, 2026, at the outskirts of Rafiki Axis, Bassa LGA, without any ransom payment.
The rescued officer is currently undergoing medical examination at the Operation Enduring Peace Medical Centre and is reported to be in stable condition. “He will be debriefed to provide vital intelligence to aid ongoing follow-up operations,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, troops continue combing surrounding forests to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and dismantle their criminal network.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, pledging to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the joint operations area.
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