In a swift and decisive operation, troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully rescued a retired senior military officer, Colonel Ajanaku, who was abducted from his home in Plateau State. The incident, which triggered an intense security response, ended with the officer's safe recovery on the same day.
Dramatic Kidnap and Swift Military Response
The security breach occurred in the early hours of January 5, 2025. Armed gunmen stormed the residence of the retired Colonel, located opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road in the Bassa Local Government Area. The abduction took place at approximately 12:45 a.m., plunging the area into fear.
Military forces from relevant sectors were immediately mobilized. They launched a prompt pursuit, tracking the kidnappers' escape route which led through the area of the Wildlife Park. Search and rescue missions were concentrated around known criminal hideouts, including caves and rocky high grounds in the vicinity.
The N200 Million Ransom Threat and Covert Operation
According to reports from security analyst Zagazola Makama, the kidnappers later made contact with the victim's wife. They issued a staggering ransom demand of N200 million. The criminals added a grave threat, warning that they would kill the retired officer if any rescue attempts continued.
Undeterred by the threats, security forces adapted their strategy. They switched to covert operations to ensure the safety of Colonel Ajanaku. This tactical shift proved crucial. The relentless efforts culminated in a successful rescue at about 5:30 p.m. on the same day, January 5. The operation concluded at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis, still within Bassa LGA.
Aftermath and Continued Pursuit of Kidnappers
The rescued officer was immediately taken to a military medical facility for thorough medical checks. Following his physical evaluation, he is expected to undergo a debriefing process. This is standard procedure to gather vital intelligence that can be used for follow-up operations against the kidnap syndicate.
Security sources confirmed that the mission is not yet over. Troops have continued to comb the surrounding forests in a determined pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers. The military remains on high alert in the region to prevent further incidents and apprehend all those involved in this brazen attack.
This rescue highlights the ongoing security challenges in parts of Plateau State and the relentless efforts of security agencies to combat crimes like kidnapping.
