Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the Accord Party's presidential candidate for 2027, has praised Nigeria's security agencies for freeing captives held in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State for 56 days. He believes the successful operation proves that security forces can crush criminal networks when given steady political backing.
In a weekend statement, Olawepo-Hashim called the rescue a major national achievement. He argued that Nigeria's security crisis stems not from military weakness but from poor political direction and hesitant 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.
The former presidential candidate pointed to Nigeria's military record in international peacekeeping operations. He noted that Nigerian troops played crucial roles in ending conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone under the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group.
Olawepo-Hashim, who co-chairs the Movement for Democratic Renewal, said the Oriire victory should drive a coordinated national campaign against kidnappers and armed gangs. He wants the same intensity applied everywhere criminals operate.
"The same determination that secured the freedom of the Oriire victims must now be deployed across every community where innocent Nigerians remain in captivity, including parts of Kwara, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Kebbi states. No family should be left to suffer when the state has the capacity to act," he stated.
He urged the Federal Government to give security agencies consistent strategic direction and stronger political support. Security chiefs should replicate rescue operations across all affected regions until every abductee is freed and criminal gangs are dismantled, he added.
"Above all, we must now take the fight to all terrorists occupying different parts of our country through an integrated strategy aimed at bringing an end to the terrorist war on our land," he said.
Olawepo-Hashim commended officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Services for their courage and professionalism. He said the operation greatly strengthens public trust in security institutions.
He also congratulated the freed captives and their families, and prayed for their quick physical, emotional and psychological recovery from their ordeal.
