Army rescues retired colonel after kidnapping in Plateau
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have rescued Colonel Ajanaku (retd.) after he was abducted by gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The Army revealed that the kidnapping occurred in the early hours of January 5, 2026, and that the kidnappers demanded a ransom from his wife later that day. The rescue operation was carried out without any ransom payment, and Colonel Ajanaku is now in stable condition. The Army continues its efforts to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and dismantle their network.
What we know
- Colonel Ajanaku (retd.) was kidnapped from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road, Bassa LGA, in the early hours of January 5, 2026.
- The kidnappers contacted his wife at about 1400 hours on January 5, 2026, demanding a ransom of ₦200,000,000.
- Troops switched to covert operations and successfully rescued Colonel Ajanaku at about 1730 hours on January 5, 2026, at the outskirts of the Rafiki Axis, Bassa LGA, without any ransom paid.
- The rescued officer is currently undergoing medical examination at the Operation Enduring Peace Medical Centre and is in stable condition.
- Troops are continuing operations in surrounding forests to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and dismantle their criminal network.
