Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE rescued retired Colonel Ajanaku from kidnappers in Plateau State without ransom, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding lives and dismantling criminal networks.

Nigerian Army Troops Rescue Retired Colonel from Kidnappers in Plateau State Operation ENDURING PEACE Nigeria

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have successfully rescued a retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Ajanaku (Rtd), after he was abducted by unidentified gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Swift Response to Distress Call

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. Upon receiving the distress call, troops from Sectors 1 and 3 of OPEP quickly mobilized and pursued the kidnappers along their withdrawal route through the Wildlife Park.

Coordinated Search Operations

Working in collaboration with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Tracking Team and local vigilantes, the troops launched intensive search and rescue operations. They combed suspected criminal hideouts across caves and rocky high grounds within the area.

At about 2:00 PM, the kidnappers contacted the victim’s wife, demanding a ransom of ₦200 million. However, the overwhelming presence of troops forced the kidnappers to issue threats, warning they would kill the victim if operations continued.

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Tactical Rescue Without Ransom

In response, troops switched to covert operations, which culminated in the successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku (Rtd) at about 5:30 PM near the Rafiki Axis, Bassa LGA. The operation was completed without any ransom payment.

The retired officer is currently undergoing medical examination at the Operation ENDURING PEACE Medical Centre and is reported to be in stable condition. He will also be debriefed to provide intelligence that will aid ongoing follow-up operations.

Continued Operations Against Kidnappers

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE are maintaining aggressive combing operations across surrounding forests to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and dismantle their criminal networks.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that it will continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action across the Joint Operations Area.