Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have successfully rescued a retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Ajanaku (Rtd), who was abducted by suspected gunmen in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The Nigerian Army Headquarters confirmed the rescue in a statement posted on its official Facebook page on Tuesday.

Colonel Ajanaku was kidnapped on Monday from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road in Bassa LGA.

According to the statement, troops swiftly mobilised after receiving a distress call and tracked the abductors along their escape route through the Wildlife Park. The operation involved personnel of Operation Enduring Peace, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) tracking team, and local vigilantes.

Security forces conducted intensive search-and-rescue operations, combing suspected criminal hideouts across caves and rocky highlands in the area.

Later in the day, at about 2:00 p.m., the kidnappers contacted the wife of the retired officer and demanded a ransom of ₦200 million. As troops intensified pressure, the abductors threatened to kill the victim if the search operations were not halted.

In response, troops tactically switched to covert operations, which led to the successful rescue of Colonel Ajanaku at about 5:30 p.m. on January 5, 2026, at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis in Bassa LGA—without the payment of any ransom.

The rescued officer is currently undergoing medical examination at the Operation Enduring Peace Medical Centre and is reported to be in stable condition. He will also be debriefed to provide critical intelligence to support ongoing follow-up operations.