Nigerian troops have successfully rescued retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku following a 17-hour covert military operation, leaving his abductors empty-handed.
According to AIV field reports, the retired army officer was abducted at about 12:45 a.m. on Sunday from his residence along Rukuba Road in Bassa Local Government Area and taken into forested areas near the Wildlife Park axis.
Immediately after the incident, security forces under Operation Enduring Peace, in collaboration with intelligence units and local vigilantes, launched an intensive manhunt. The operation involved combing caves, rocky terrains, and suspected hideouts within the surrounding forests.
By the afternoon of the same day, the kidnappers reportedly contacted the victim’s family, demanding a ₦200 million ransom and threatening to kill Colonel Ajanaku if the security operation was not halted.
However, military commanders rejected the ultimatum and adopted silent and stealth-based tactics to avoid endangering the hostage.
At about 5:30 p.m., troops tracked the kidnappers to the Rafiki Axis, where they executed a coordinated strike that led to the successful rescue of the retired colonel without the payment of any ransom.
Colonel Ajanaku was rescued unharmed and has since received medical attention. He was confirmed to be in stable condition.
Meanwhile, security forces have continued operations in the area to dismantle the kidnapping network and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
