Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a retired colonel identified as Ajanaku after he was abducted by gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The rescue operation took place around the Rafiki axis of Bassa LGA after troops swiftly mobilised and tracked the kidnappers along their escape route through the Wildlife Park. Security forces intensified search-and-rescue efforts around caves and rocky high grounds believed to serve as criminal hideouts.
During the operation, the abductors reportedly contacted the officer’s wife, demanding a ransom of N200 million and threatening to kill him if rescue attempts continued.
Security forces later switched to covert tactics, leading to the successful rescue of the retired colonel at about 5:30 p.m. on the outskirts of the Rafiki axis the same day.
Following his rescue, the officer was taken to a military medical facility for treatment and debriefing, which is expected to provide intelligence for further operations. Troops have continued combing nearby forests in pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the operation, stating that the retired senior officer was safely rescued and is currently undergoing medical checks.
Ajanaku was abducted from his residence near the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road in Bassa LGA in the early hours of the day. Before his rescue, the kidnappers had issued repeated threats while demanding a large ransom.
