RETIRED NIGERIAN ARMY COLONEL RESCUED HOURS AFTER PLATEAU KIDNAP

Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued a retired senior military officer, Colonel Ajanaku (rtd), hours after he was abducted by gunmen from his home in the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The officer was taken from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road around 12:45 a.m. on January 5.

According to military sources, troops from different sectors responded swiftly to the incident, pursuing the abductors along their escape route through the Wildlife Park area. Search-and-rescue efforts were intensified around caves and rocky locations believed to be criminal hideouts.

The kidnappers had contacted the victim’s wife, allegedly demanding a ransom of N200 million and warning against any rescue attempts by security forces. This threat prompted a shift in tactical approach by the operatives.

“Following the threat, security operatives then shifted to covert operations,” a source stated. This strategic move led to the successful recovery of the retired colonel at approximately 5:30 p.m. the same day, near the Rafiki area of Bassa.

The rescued officer was immediately taken to a military medical facility for examination. He is expected to provide useful information for further operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network.

“As he stabilizes, the rescued officer is expected to provide useful information for further operations,” the source added. Meanwhile, troops are continuing to comb nearby forests in a sustained manhunt for the fleeing suspects.