Oriire rescue shows criminals can be defeated with strong political backing, Gbenga Hashim

Presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, commended Nigeria's security agencies for their successful operation to rescue victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The victims had been held captive for approximately 50 days.

Hashim stated that the successful rescue operation demonstrates the capacity of Nigeria's security forces to overcome criminal groups when they receive sustained political support and clear strategic direction. He argued that the country's security challenges stem not from a lack of competence among personnel, but from the need for consistent political leadership. "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.

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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.

Recalling the Nigerian military's past successes in peacekeeping operations, such as those in Liberia and Sierra Leone under ECOMOG, Hashim emphasized the forces' proven capability in restoring peace. He urged the Federal Government and security agencies to extend this model of coordinated rescue to other regions plagued by kidnapping and violent crime.

"The same determination that secured the freedom of the Oriire victims must now be deployed across every community where innocent Nigerians remain in captivity," Hashim declared. He called for intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks and rescue kidnapped individuals, congratulating the Armed Forces, Police, and DSS for their courage and professionalism, and wishing the rescued victims and their families a swift recovery.

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The same determination that secured the freedom of the Oriire victims must now be deployed across every community where innocent Nigerians remain in captivity.