By Abdulhammed Abdulmalik Ayodeji | Fact Frontier.
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In a precise, intelligence-driven operation, troops of the Nigerian Army successfully rescued a retired senior officer, Colonel Ajanaku, from kidnappers on January 5, 2026, preventing the payment of a hefty ₦200 million ransom. The high-profile abduction and subsequent rescue in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State highlight both the persistent threat of kidnapping gangs and the evolving tactical response of security forces.
The Abduction
Retired Colonel Ajanaku was seized in the early hours of Monday, January 5, 2026. According to detailed reports,
unidentified gunmen stormed his residence opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Roadat approximately 12:45 a.m. The brazen attack at the officer's home underscored the audacity of criminal elements operating in the region. Following the abduction, the kidnappers made contact, demanding a ransom of ₦200 million for his release, a sum that indicated the perceived value of the victim.
The Rescue Operation
Acting on what military officials termed "precise intelligence," troops from Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the multi-agency security task force maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states, were immediately mobilized. A covert operation was launched to track the kidnappers. By the evening of the same day, the operation culminated in the colonel's liberation. Military sources confirmed the rescue occurred
around 5:30 p.m. on January 5, 2026,on the outskirts of the Rafiki axis within Bassa LGA.
The operation was notably swift and direct.
The coordinated actions of the army prevented any payment or negotiation,security analysts noted. An official military statement emphasized the resolve of the troops:
Troops of Operation Safe Haven, acting on precise intelligence, were able to locate and rescue the abducted retired officer. The operation demonstrates our determination to protect lives and safeguard citizens, regardless of status.
Aftermath and Official Response
Following his rescue, Colonel Ajanaku was
handed over to appropriate authorities for medical evaluation and debriefingbefore being reunited with his family. The Nigerian Army praised the operation as a testament to effective intelligence gathering and rapid deployment. Major General O. A. Akintonde, the Commander of OPSH, reiterated the commitment of his forces, stating,
Our troops remain steadfast in executing joint operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements. The safety of citizens remains our priority.
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While the primary objective of rescuing the victim was achieved, follow-up operations are ongoing. As of January 6, 2026,
no immediate arrests have been announced in connection with the kidnapping,though military officials confirmed that
follow-up operations and intelligence gathering will continue in order to apprehend those responsible.
Broader Security Context
This incident occurs against a backdrop of significant security challenges in Nigeria's North-Central region. Plateau State, in particular, has grappled with complex violence involving farmer-herder clashes, communal conflicts, and a rise in criminal kidnapping for ransom. The targeting of a retired military officer at his home has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the reach and boldness of kidnapping syndicates.
However, the successful rescue is being viewed by security analysts as a positive indicator of improved tactical responses.
Intelligence-led responses, such as this one, play a critical role in countering criminal elements and de-escalating kidnapping incidents,observed a security risk analyst familiar with the region. The operation avoided a prolonged hostage situation and denied the criminals a massive financial payoff, which is often used to fund further violence and acquire weapons.
Conclusion
The rescue of Colonel Ajanaku stands as a clear operational success for Nigerian security forces in January 2026. It showcases the critical importance of actionable intelligence and rapid response capabilities in combating kidnapping. Yet, the very fact of the abduction is a stark reminder of the pervasive insecurity that continues to affect daily life in certain regions. The Nigerian Army's statement of continued commitment will be tested as they pursue the perpetrators and work to prevent future incidents. For the residents of Plateau State, the event is a mix of relief and renewed anxiety, hopeful for more such successes.
