Following his kidnapping by militants in Plateau State's Bassa Local Government Area, troops from Operation Enduring Peace reported yesterday that they had freed Colonel Ajanaku (retd). 

The retired officer was abducted in the early hours of January 5, 2026, from his home across from the Salvation Army Church on Rukuba Road in Bassa LGA, according to the Army, which announced this via its official X Twitter. 

The statement claims that after receiving a distress call, troops from Sectors 1 and 3 of Operation Enduring Peace quickly mobilized and followed the kidnappers through the Wildlife Park as they withdrew.

“Later in the day (Monday), about 1400 hours, the kidnappers contacted the wife of the abducted retired officer and demanded a ransom of N200 million.

“Having observed the overwhelming presence and pressure from pursuing troops, the kidnappers issued threats to kill the victim if search operations were not halted.

“Consequently, troops tactically switched to covert operations, which culminated in the successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku (retd) about 1730 hours on January 5, 2026, at the outskirts of the Rafiki Axis, Bassa LGA, Plateau State, without any ransom payment,” the statement added.

In the meantime, soldiers from Operation Enduring Peace are still searching the nearby forests in an effort to capture the escaping abductors and destroy their criminal organization. 

The Army promised to keep denying criminal elements freedom of action throughout the joint operations area, reiterating its commitment to protecting people and property.

Source