Troops Foil Kidnap Plot, Free Retired Officer in Plateau

Troops Foil Kidnap Plot, Free Retired Officer in Plateau
Kidnappers demanded N200 million ransom and threatened victim’s life
Troops continue manhunt to dismantle criminal gangs in Bassa area

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued a retired senior military officer, Colonel Ajanaku, who was abducted by gunmen from his residence in Bassa Local Government Area.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the retired officer was kidnapped at about 12:45 a.m. on January 5 from his home located opposite the Salvation Army Church along Rukuba Road, according to security sources.

Following the abduction, troops drawn from relevant military formations were immediately deployed to the area and began trailing the assailants along their suspected escape route through the Wildlife Park.

Search and rescue operations were intensified around caves and rocky high grounds identified as possible criminal hideouts within the axis.

It was gathered that the abductors later contacted the victim’s wife and demanded a ransom of N200 million, while issuing threats to kill the retired officer if rescue efforts continued.

Despite the threats, security operatives reportedly adopted covert tactics to avoid putting the victim’s life at risk while sustaining pressure on the kidnappers.

The operation yielded results as troops successfully rescued Colonel Ajanaku at about 5:30 p.m. on the same day at the outskirts of the Rafiki axis in Bassa Local Government Area.

The retired officer is currently receiving medical attention at a military medical facility and is expected to be debriefed to provide intelligence for further operations.

Sources added that troops have continued combing surrounding forests in pursuit of the fleeing suspects as efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the area intensify.