The military and vigilantes have rescued a retired army colonel from suspected kidnappers.

“The retired senior officer was kidnapped in the early hours of 5 January 2026 at about 0045 hours from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road, Bassa LGA. Upon receipt of the distress call, troops of Sectors 1 and 3, Operation ENDURING PEACE, swiftly mobilised and trailed the kidnappers along their withdrawal route through the Wildlife Park.
“The troops, in conjunction with the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) Tracking Team and local vigilantes, sustained intensive search and rescue operations, combing suspected criminal hideouts across caves and rocky high grounds within the general area,” said the statement.

It added, “Consequently, troops tactically switched to covert operations, which culminated in the successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku (Rtd) at about 1730 hours on 5 January 2026 at the outskirts of the Rafiki Axis, Bassa LGA, Plateau State, without any ransom payment.
“The rescued retired officer is currently undergoing medical examination at the Operation ENDURING PEACE Medical Centre and is in stable condition. He will be debriefed to provide vital intelligence that will aid ongoing follow-up operations.”