AWC Security Desk
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have successfully rescued a retired senior Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Ajanaku (Rtd), from the clutches of kidnappers in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, following a swift and coordinated security operation.
The retired officer was abducted by unidentified gunmen in the early hours of Sunday, 5 January 2026, triggering an immediate distress response by security forces. Acting on the alert, troops from OPEP Sectors 1 and 3, in collaboration with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Tracking Team and local vigilante groups, launched an intensive search-and-rescue mission across forests, caves and rugged rocky terrains within the area.
During the operation, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the victim’s family, demanding a ransom of ₦200 million and issuing threats to kill the retired officer if rescue efforts were not halted. In response, troops tactically adjusted their approach, switching to covert operations to outmanoeuvre the criminals and avoid endangering the victim.
The operation paid off when troops successfully rescued Colonel Ajanaku (Rtd) at about 5:30 pm on 5 January 2026, at the outskirts of the Rafiki Axis in Bassa LGA, without the payment of any ransom.
The rescued officer has since been confirmed to be in stable condition and is currently undergoing medical examination at the Operation ENDURING PEACE Medical Centre.
Meanwhile, troops have sustained aggressive follow-up operations to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects. The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property across the Joint Operations Area, assuring residents that security forces remain resolute in confronting kidnapping and other criminal activities.
The successful rescue underscores the growing effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration and community support in tackling insecurity and restoring confidence in affected areas.
