Former Accord Party presidential candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has praised Nigeria’s security agencies for rescuing the abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, saying the operation proves that criminal groups can be defeated with the right political support.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Olawepo-Hashim described the rescue as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity, stressing that Nigeria’s security challenges are not due to a lack of capacity within the armed forces but insufficient political direction.
“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 urged the Federal Government to replicate the same strategy used in the Oyo rescue across other parts of the country where innocent Nigerians remain in captivity.
“The same determination that secured the freedom of the Oriire victims must now be deployed across every community where innocent Nigerians remain in captivity,” he stated.
He listed states including Kwara, Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Kebbi as areas where stronger security operations are urgently needed.
Olawepo-Hashim also called on the Federal Government to provide greater political backing and strategic direction to security agencies to sustain the fight against kidnappers, bandits and terrorists.
“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 added.
The politician commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) for their courage and professionalism during the rescue mission.
He also congratulated the rescued victims and their families, praying for their full physical, emotional and psychological recovery after spending about 50 days in captivity.
Olawepo-Hashim further pointed to the Nigerian military’s record in international peacekeeping missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone as evidence of its professionalism when adequately supported.
Source: Statement by Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim.
