Troops rescue kidnapped retired colonel in Plateau

The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued an abducted retired colonel, identified as Ajanaku, in Bassa LGA of Plateau state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the retired senior officer was abducted at about 12:45 am on January 5 from his house opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road in Jos.

Quoting security sources, Makama said troops from relevant sectors responded swiftly to the incident, trailing the kidnappers along their escape route through the Wildlife Park.

The publication noted that search-and-rescue operations were intensified around caves and rocky high grounds suspected to be criminal hideouts.

Makama said the abductors subsequently contacted the victim’s wife, demanding a N200 million ransom and threatening to kill the retired officer if rescue efforts continued.

It said security forces switched to covert operations, leading to the successful rescue of retired colonel at about 5:30 p.m. the same day at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis in Bassa LGA.

According to the publication, the rescued officer was taken to a military medical facility and would be debriefed to provide intelligence for follow-up operations.

Makama added that troops have continued combing surrounding forests in pursuit of the fleeing kidnappers.