Nigerian Army Rescues Retired Colonel From Kidnappers in Plateau State

In a daring operation, troops of the Nigerian Army under the 3rd Division and Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) successfully rescued retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku from kidnappers in Plateau State, Akahi News has learnt. The rescue operation highlights the increasing effectiveness of coordinated military and intelligence efforts in curbing the rising incidents of abductions targeting senior citizens and ex-military personnel in the region.

Swift Response and Tactical Coordination

According to the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 3rd Division, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, the operation was executed in the early hours of the evening. He confirmed that Colonel Ajanaku was immediately taken to a military medical facility for thorough medical evaluation.

“I can confirm that our troops rescued the senior officer in the early hours of the evening. He has been taken to our medical facility for medical checks,” Danja said.

Sources at the Army Headquarters told Akahi News that the retired officer was abducted at approximately 12:45 a.m. on January 5, 2026, from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The swift response from troops in Sectors 1 and 3 of Operation Enduring Peace was crucial in tracking the kidnappers along their escape route through the Wildlife Park axis.

Collaboration With Intelligence Agencies and Local Vigilantes

Akahi News gathered that the military worked closely with operatives of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and local vigilante groups to conduct sustained search-and-rescue operations. Efforts focused on caves and rocky high grounds known to serve as hideouts for criminals.

At around 2:00 p.m., the kidnappers reportedly contacted Colonel Ajanaku’s wife, demanding a ransom of ₦200 million while threatening to kill the retired officer if rescue efforts continued. Despite the threat, the military adopted a covert strategy to ensure the safe recovery of the officer.

Successful Rescue and Ongoing Investigations

The tactical approach proved successful, and Colonel Ajanaku was rescued at approximately 5:30 p.m. the same day at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis in Bassa LGA. He is currently undergoing medical evaluation at the OPSH Medical Centre and will be debriefed to provide actionable intelligence for follow-up operations.

The operation serves as a critical reminder of the persistent security challenges in Plateau State, where kidnapping has become a lucrative criminal enterprise targeting both civilians and former security personnel. Akahi News learnt that military officials are now intensifying patrols and surveillance in known high-risk areas to prevent further incidents.

Experts speaking with Akahi News emphasised that such coordinated operations, combining military precision, intelligence input, and community vigilance, are essential to restoring public confidence and deterring criminal syndicates from targeting vulnerable individuals.

Akahi News will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates on the military’s follow-up operations and broader anti-kidnapping measures in Plateau State.

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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