Nigerian Army rescues Colonel Ajanaku from kidnappers in Plateau State after foiling ₦200 million ransom demand through swift intelligence-led operation
Plateau State – Troops of Operation Enduring Peace successfully rescued retired Nigerian Army officer Colonel Ajanaku from kidnappers in Plateau State on 5 January 2026, following a swift, intelligence-driven operation that foiled a ₦200 million ransom demand.
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Colonel Ajanaku was abducted at about 12:45 a.m. from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road in Bassa Local Government Area.
Troops from Sectors 1 and 3 of Operation Enduring Peace mobilised immediately after receiving a distress call, tracking the suspects through the Wildlife Park corridor believed to be their escape route.
Military sources said the rescue effort involved close collaboration with the Defence Intelligence Agency tracking team and local vigilantes.
Troops conducted an intensive search across caves and rocky high grounds, adapting their tactics when the kidnappers demanded a ₦200 million ransom at about 2:00 p.m., threatening to kill Colonel Ajanaku if the search continued.
The operation concluded successfully at about 5:30 p.m., with Colonel Ajanaku rescued at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis of Bassa LGA without any ransom payment.
He has been taken to the Operation Enduring Peace Medical Centre for evaluation and is reported to be in stable condition.
Troops continue combing surrounding forests to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle their criminal network.
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The Nigerian Army described the operation as a demonstration of its commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminal elements are denied freedom of action in the joint operations area.
