Troops rescue retired Colonel kidnapped in Plateau

Nigerian Army troops have rescued a retired senior military officer, Col. Ajanaku (rtd), after he was abducted by gunmen from his home in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The officer was reportedly taken from his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road around 12:45 a.m. on January 5.

Sources said troops from different sectors responded swiftly and pursued the abductors along their escape route through the Wildlife Park area, while search-and-rescue efforts were intensified around caves and rocky locations believed to be criminal hideouts.

The kidnappers were said to have contacted the victim’s wife, allegedly demanding N200 million and warning against any rescue attempts.

Security operatives then shifted to covert operations, which led to the successful recovery of the retired colonel at about 5:30 p.m. the same day, near the Rafiki area of Bassa.

The rescued officer was taken to a military medical facility for examination and is expected to provide useful information for further operations.

Troops are continuing to comb nearby forests in search of the suspects.