Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have successfully rescued a retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Ajanaku (rtd.), who was abducted by armed men in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to a statement released by the Nigerian Army on Tuesday via its official X handle, the retired officer was kidnapped in the early hours of Monday, January 5, 2026, at about 12:45 a.m., from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road, Bassa LGA.

The Army disclosed that troops from Sectors 1 and 3 of Operation Enduring Peace immediately mobilised after receiving a distress call and tracked the kidnappers along their escape route through the Wildlife Park axis.

Later that same day, at about 2:00 p.m., the kidnappers contacted the victim’s wife and demanded a ransom of Two Hundred Million Naira (₦200 million). The statement noted that, faced with sustained pressure from advancing troops, the kidnappers threatened to kill the victim if search operations were not halted.

In response, the Army said its troops tactically switched to covert operations, a move that ultimately led to the successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku without the payment of any ransom.

The rescue operation was concluded at about 5:30 p.m. on January 5, 2026, at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis of Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State.

The Army further revealed that the rescued officer is currently receiving medical attention at the Operation Enduring Peace Medical Centre, where he is reported to be in stable condition.

He will be debriefed to provide vital intelligence that will support ongoing follow-up operations, the statement added.

Meanwhile, troops of Operation Enduring Peace have continued combing surrounding forests in the area in a bid to apprehend the fleeing kidnappers and dismantle their criminal network.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property, assuring the public that it will continue to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the joint operations area.