Security operatives under Operation Safe Haven have recorded another major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and violent crimes in Plateau State following the arrest of a wanted suspect allegedly connected to the abduction of a retired military officer earlier this year. The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Abubakar Ahamadu, was apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation carried out by troops of Sector 3 in Plateau State.
According to security sources, the suspect was linked to the kidnapping of retired Colonel Joseph Ajanaku, who was abducted on January 4 along Rukuba Road in Bassa Local Government Area. Authorities disclosed that the arrest followed weeks of surveillance and coordinated efforts by troops to track criminal networks operating within the area. ..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Reports revealed that the retired military officer was kidnapped by armed men who stormed his residence during the night and whisked him away through bush paths around Bassa. The incident triggered widespread concern across Plateau State and prompted immediate rescue operations by security forces. Troops reportedly trailed the kidnappers through forests, caves and rocky hideouts suspected to be used by criminal gangs.
Security analysts disclosed that the abductors later contacted the retired officer’s family and allegedly demanded a ransom of N200 million while threatening to kill him if rescue operations continued. However, troops later switched to covert operations and successfully rescued the retired colonel alive during a coordinated operation around the Rafiki axis of Bassa Local Government Area.
Authorities believe intelligence gathered after the rescue operation contributed significantly to the latest arrest. The suspect is currently in custody undergoing profiling and further interrogation as investigators work to uncover additional members of the kidnapping syndicate and other criminal collaborators connected to the operation.
The latest arrest comes amid increasing security operations across Plateau State where cases of kidnapping, armed attacks and banditry have continued to threaten several communities. In recent weeks, troops and other joint security agencies have intensified raids on criminal hideouts, leading to multiple arrests linked to kidnapping and violent crimes across the state.
Security experts say Plateau’s difficult terrain, remote communities and growing activities of armed gangs have made kidnapping one of the biggest security concerns in the region. Criminal groups often target travellers, community leaders, wealthy individuals and residents in rural communities for ransom payments.
Authorities have continued to encourage residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible intelligence capable of helping troops identify criminal hideouts and suspicious movements. Security officials also insist that sustained military operations, stronger surveillance and community collaboration remain essential to dismantling kidnapping networks operating across Plateau and neighbouring states.
