Human rights activist and security volunteer, Harrison Gwamnishu, has defended himself against growing allegations surrounding his involvement in an attempted rescue operation in Edo State, insisting that he neither mishandled nor diverted any ransom money as claimed by some parties.
In a series of posts on December 3, Gwamnishu said he travelled to Edo State strictly to assist security agencies in tracking kidnappers using a technology method he claims has successfully aided previous rescue operations.
According to him, he was invited by state authorities and declined any financial compensation for the assignment. “His Excellency asked, ‘How much do you want?’ and I replied, ‘Sir, I don’t want payment, just the opportunity to test what we have.’ It wasn’t about money,” he wrote.
Gwamnishu explained that the kidnapped couple’s family had been negotiating with the abductors, who initially demanded ₦50 million but later accepted ₦20 million. He said the kidnappers insisted they would release only the pregnant wife, a condition the family reluctantly agreed to after pleading for her safety.
However, when fresh contact came on Monday, the family allegedly informed him that the kidnappers were requesting another ₦20 million this time, claiming it was for the release of both victims.
Gwamnishu said his role was limited to tracking the ransom delivery to help military operatives pinpoint the kidnappers’ location in real time. “My work is to follow up with the money so we can get a real-time location and get the military to the exact spot as we’ve done in the past,” he stated.
He disclosed that after the money was delivered, the kidnappers freed only the woman and refused to release the husband. Those who took the ransom reportedly said the kidnappers neither counted the money nor checked whether it was complete. Instead, they allegedly claimed the cash was “not complete” and asked the emissaries to leave.
This development, he said, triggered a wave of blame directed at him.
At a meeting held in the office of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Auchi, Gwamnishu said he explained the operational strategies usually deployed in such rescue missions. However, he insisted the details of those strategies are sensitive and cannot be fully disclosed to civilians.
“No matter how they try to weaken me or push me to expose operational methods, I will never do that. I will continue to collaborate with the Military, Police and local vigilantes to curb insecurity,” he affirmed.
Gwamnishu maintained that he did not negotiate with kidnappers at any point and did not handle the ransom. He called for an investigation and urged that its findings be made public.
“I did not steal any money as alleged. I am open to investigation,” he said, adding that this would be his last public comment on the matter until the remaining victim is released.
The husband of the freed woman remains in captivity as security agencies and family members continue efforts to secure his safe return.
