Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have rescued a retired senior Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Ajanaku (retd.), who was abducted by unidentified gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The officer was kidnapped in the early hours of Monday, January 5, 2026, prompting an immediate security response. Following a distress call, troops drawn from Sectors 1 and 3, in collaboration with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Tracking Team and local vigilante groups, swiftly mobilised for a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
Security forces conducted sustained operations across forests, caves, and rocky terrains within the area. During the operation, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of N200 million and threatening to kill the retired officer if rescue efforts were not suspended.
In response, the troops tactically switched to covert operations. This approach culminated in the successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku at about 5:30 p.m. on the same day at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis of Bassa LGA, without the payment of any ransom.
The rescued officer is said to be in stable condition and is currently undergoing medical examination at the Operation ENDURING PEACE Medical Centre. Meanwhile, troops have intensified operations in the area to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the Joint Operations Area and to sustaining pressure on criminal elements threatening public safety.
