Nigerian Army troops have rescued a retired senior military officer,Colonel Ajanaku, who was abducted by gunmen in Plateau State. The rescue followed a swift and coordinated security operation that began shortly after the retired officer was taken from his home in the early hours of the day.
The incident happened at about 12:45 a.m. on January 5, 2026, at Colonel Ajanaku’s residence in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. The house is located opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road, a busy area that connects parts of Jos North and Bassa.
According to security sources, armed men stormed the residence under the cover of darkness and forced the retired officer out of his home. The attackers then escaped with him into nearby bush paths before help could arrive. The attack caused panic in the neighbourhood, with residents raising alarm and contacting security agencies.
Immediately after the kidnapping was reported, troops drawn from relevant military formations in Plateau State were mobilised. The Army launched a search-and-rescue operation aimed at locating the kidnappers and freeing the victim without delay.
Sources familiar with the operation said soldiers quickly studied the likely escape routes used by the abductors. Based on early intelligence, the troops trailed the kidnappers through areas around the Wildlife Park, a large expanse of land with thick vegetation, caves, and rocky terrain.
Security operatives intensified their search around forests, caves, and high rocky grounds believed to be used by criminal groups as hideouts. These areas have, in the past, been linked to kidnapping and other criminal activities due to their difficult terrain and limited access.
As the search continued, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the victim’s wife. During the call, they demanded a ransom of N200 million for Colonel Ajanaku’s release. The abductors also issued threats, warning that the retired officer would be killed if efforts to rescue him were not stopped.
Despite the threats, security forces did not suspend the operation. Instead, they changed their strategy and moved to covert tactics. This involved discreet tracking, careful intelligence gathering, and quiet movement by troops to avoid alerting the kidnappers.
This approach, according to security sources, helped prevent harm to the victim and allowed troops to close in on the suspects without drawing attention.
The effort paid off later that same day. At about 5:30 p.m., Colonel Ajanaku was successfully rescued at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis in Bassa Local Government Area. The area is on the edge of rural settlements and forest paths often used by criminals to evade security forces.
The retired officer was rescued alive and without serious injury. He was immediately taken to a military medical facility, where he is currently undergoing medical checks. Doctors are said to be assessing his physical condition to ensure he is stable after the ordeal.
Military sources also confirmed that Colonel Ajanaku will be debriefed after his medical evaluation. This process is expected to provide useful information that could help security agencies track down the kidnappers and dismantle their network.
Meanwhile, troops have continued operations in the area. Soldiers are combing surrounding forests and suspected hideouts in pursuit of the fleeing suspects. Security presence has also been increased in Bassa Local Government Area and nearby communities to prevent further attacks.
The Army has assured residents that operations will continue until those responsible for the kidnapping are arrested and brought to justice.
The kidnapping of Colonel Ajanaku has again drawn attention to the ongoing security challenges in parts of Plateau State. In recent years, the state has faced cases of banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
Plateau State, located in North Central Nigeria, has a history of communal tensions and criminal activities linked to armed groups. While major cities like Jos enjoy relative calm, outskirts and rural communities remain vulnerable to attacks due to difficult terrain and limited security coverage.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major concern across Nigeria, affecting civilians, traditional rulers, public servants, and even retired security officers. Criminal groups often target victims they believe can attract large ransom payments.
In many cases, families are forced into difficult decisions as kidnappers demand huge sums of money. However, security agencies have repeatedly warned against paying ransom, arguing that it encourages more kidnappings and strengthens criminal groups.
The successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku without payment of ransom has been welcomed by many residents and security analysts. They say it shows improved coordination and response by the military in dealing with kidnapping cases.
Local residents around Rukuba Road and Bassa Local Government Area have praised the Army for acting quickly. Some residents said the prompt response helped prevent the kidnappers from moving the victim far away or hiding him for a long period.
A community leader in the area, who asked not to be named, said, “The quick action by the soldiers saved the situation. It also gave us confidence that security agencies are watching and ready to act.”
The Nigerian Army has continued to call on members of the public to provide timely information that can help prevent crimes. According to the military, community cooperation is key to winning the fight against kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.
In recent months, security forces have stepped up patrols and operations in parts of Plateau State and other states facing similar challenges. These efforts are aimed at flushing out criminal groups and restoring confidence among residents.
While the rescue of Colonel Ajanaku is a major success, security authorities have made it clear that more work needs to be done. The continued pursuit of the suspects involved in the kidnapping is part of efforts to ensure that such crimes do not go unpunished.
For now, the safe rescue of the retired officer stands as a positive development in the fight against kidnapping in Plateau State and a reminder of the importance of quick response and strong intelligence in tackling crime.