Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued retired Colonel Ajanaku after he was abducted by armed gunmen from his residence in Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State. The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of January 5, 2026, causing panic among residents of the area.
Security sources revealed that the retired officer was kidnapped around 12:45 a.m. when unidentified gunmen forced their way into his home, located opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road. The attackers whisked him away in a vehicle before fleeing to an unknown destination, leaving family members in distress.
Immediately after the abduction, military authorities were alerted and deployed troops drawn from various sectors in Plateau State. The operation involved coordinated tracking of the kidnappers along suspected escape routes through forests, rocky terrains, and rural settlements in Bassa LGA.
The Nigerian Army, working with local intelligence and surveillance units, adopted a dual approach of overt and covert operations to monitor the movements of the gunmen without endangering the life of the abducted officer. Residents reported seeing increased military patrols in the area in the hours following the incident.
During the ordeal, the kidnappers reportedly contacted Colonel Ajanaku’s family and demanded a ransom of ₦200 million, threatening to harm him if their demands were not met. The military, however, intensified its search rather than negotiating, determined to rescue the officer safely.
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After several hours of tracking, troops located Colonel Ajanaku alive near the Rafiki axis in Bassa LGA at around 5:30 p.m.. The officer was immediately rescued and taken under military protection for evaluation and recovery. Initial medical checks indicate that he is in stable condition.
The Nigerian Army has assured residents that operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers. Soldiers have continued to comb forests and potential hideouts in the area, reflecting a sustained effort to tackle kidnapping and criminal activities in Plateau State.
Local residents have expressed relief at the successful rescue, hailing the military’s prompt action. Community leaders emphasized the importance of vigilance and collaboration with security agencies to prevent future incidents of abduction and violence.
This incident highlights the persistent security challenges in Plateau State, including kidnappings and banditry. It also underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting citizens and swiftly responding to threats against lives, particularly those of high-profile individuals like retired military officers.
Authorities have called on residents to remain alert and report suspicious movements to security forces. Meanwhile, Colonel Ajanaku is expected to provide intelligence on the kidnappers’ operations, which could assist the military in dismantling criminal networks operating in Bassa LGA and surrounding areas.
