Defense and Security
Oriire Rescue Proves Criminals Can Be Defeated With Political Will, Says Gbenga Hashim
Accord Party’s 2027 presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has praised Nigeria’s security agencies for the successful rescue of victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the operation as proof that criminal groups can be defeated with strong political backing and coordinated security action.
Hashim made the remarks in a statement issued over the weekend following the rescue of the victims, who had spent about 50 days in captivity.
He said the successful operation demonstrated the capability of Nigeria’s security forces to tackle insecurity when provided with sustained political support, strategic direction and decisive leadership.
According to him, the country’s security challenges are not a reflection of the competence of security personnel but of the need for consistent political will.
“We have never doubted the ability of Nigeria’s defence forces to secure the country. What has often been lacking is clarity of purpose and unwavering political leadership,” he said.
Hashim recalled the role played by Nigerian troops during peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), noting that the military had previously demonstrated its capacity to restore peace during regional conflicts.
He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to replicate the coordinated rescue operation across other parts of the country battling kidnapping and violent crimes.
”The same determination that secured the freedom of the Oriire victims must now be deployed across every community where innocent Nigerians remain in captivity. No family should be left to suffer when the state has the capacity to act,” he said.
The Accord Party presidential candidate also called for stronger political support for security agencies and urged security chiefs to intensify efforts to rescue kidnapped victims and dismantle criminal networks nationwide.
Vanguard report that Hashim commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) for what he described as their courage, professionalism and sacrifice during the rescue operation.
He further congratulated the rescued victims and their families, expressing hope for their speedy physical, emotional and psychological recovery.