Human rights activist and security volunteer Harrison Gwamnishu has reacted strongly to online allegations suggesting he mishandled a recent kidnap rescue effort in Edo State.
In a detailed statement, Gwamnishu explained that he travelled to the state purely to support security agencies in tracking the kidnappers and securing the release of the victims. According to him, the woman abducted was freed, but her husband remains in captivity a situation he says has forced him to withhold many operational details for safety reasons.
Gwamnishu recalled that during initial briefings, a top government official asked how much he wanted for his involvement.
“Sir, I don’t want payment, just the opportunity to test what we have,” he said, noting that the Chief Security Officer and Chief of Staff were present.
He stressed that his role was not financially motivated.
Despite what he described as deliberate attempts to weaken his credibility or push him into revealing sensitive strategies, Gwamnishu maintained that he would never expose operational methods. He reaffirmed his commitment to working with the military, police, and local vigilantes in combating insecurity.
“The only reason I am staying silent is because of the safety of the man still in captivity,” he stated.
“But since the family, who should be protecting their brother, are accusing me falsely, is it not better I drop everything that happened for posterity?”
He warned that disclosing the full details of the rescue plans would compromise ongoing operations and potentially endanger future victims, as kidnappers could immediately adjust their tactics.
The activist said the situation has been discouraging, admitting that the public deserves to know the truth, but the operational consequences could be severe.
Gwamnishu called on investigative journalists to step forward and examine the facts to understand what truly transpired. He noted that the Edo State Government, the police, and the victims’ families had already been fully briefed.
“If the man had been released, we wouldn’t be in this position today,” he added.
