By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace has successfully rescued a retired Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Ajanaku (rtd), who was abducted by armed gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, following an intense, intelligence-driven operation that forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim.
The retired senior officer was kidnapped in the early hours of Sunday, 5 January, 2026, from his residence along Rukuba Road, a development that initially sparked fear and concern within the community.
According to security sources, the abductors stormed the area under the cover of darkness and whisked the retired officer away to an unknown location.
However, following a distress alert, troops drawn from Sectors 1 and 3 of Operation Enduring Peace immediately mobilised and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with personnel of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) as well as local vigilante groups, who provided critical terrain knowledge and intelligence support.
As the operation progressed, security forces tracked the movement of the kidnappers through dense forests and rugged terrain surrounding Bassa LGA. The pursuit, described as sustained and strategic, placed immense pressure on the abductors and significantly restricted their movement.
During the course of the operation, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of ₦200 million. They also issued threats against Colonel Ajanaku’s life in a bid to force compliance. Despite the threats, security forces maintained their offensive posture, refusing to allow criminal the elements dictate terms or profit from the crime.
Eventually, the unrelenting pressure mounted by the troops paid off. Unable to withstand the continuous pursuit and fearing imminent capture, the kidnappers abandoned the retired officer and fled. Colonel Ajanaku was subsequently rescued unharmed at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis of Bassa Local Government Area, without any ransom being paid.
Following his rescue, the retired officer was immediately evacuated to the Operation Enduring Peace Medical Centre, where he is currently receiving medical attention. Military sources confirmed that he is in stable condition and responding well to care.
Meanwhile, troops have continued combing nearby forests and hideouts in a renewed effort to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects. Security forces say the manhunt will be sustained until all those involved in the kidnapping are brought to justice.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the Nigerian Army reiterated its resolve to dismantle criminal networks operating within Plateau State and its environs.
The military also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
The successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku, without payment of ransom, has been widely commended as a testament to the growing effectiveness of joint security operations and the determination of troops under Operation Enduring Peace to confront criminality head-on.
