A kidnap rescue effort in Edo State has turned into a public dispute after well-known security specialist Harrison Gwamnishu was accused of holding back ₦5.4 million from a ₦20 million ransom paid to free a newlywed couple.
Gwamnishu, a Mandela Washington Fellow and the CEO of HarryTech Security, had travelled to Edo to volunteer tech support, including drones and surveillance tools, in the search for the abducted pair. Relatives said the kidnappers first demanded ₦60 million before the ransom was negotiated down to ₦20 million.
But two different versions of events have now caused a storm.
In one account, relatives said Gwamnishu was supposed to deliver the ransom but became frightened and stopped at the edge of the bush. A family member then took the money to the kidnappers.
A relative told reporters, “When they counted it, they said the money was short by ₦5 million. They released only the wife. We confronted Harrison, and he admitted the shortfall. Police rescued him and seized his car before he ran from Auchi.”
Another family version claimed Gwamnishu had earlier refused to be paid for helping. They said they handed him ₦20 million and an extra ₦50,000 for expenses. According to this account, the kidnappers again complained about a ₦5 million gap and released only the woman. Police were alerted, and Gwamnishu was said to have been picked up. Officers later raided his hotel, where part of the missing funds had already been shared. Police sources claimed he returned ₦5 million and promised to repay the balance.
The case has dragged attention because of Gwamnishu’s long list of rescue operations, including more than 50 successful missions. He also recently led a December 1 operation at the Edo-Delta border that neutralised a kidnap gang and recovered an AK-47 rifle.
After days of silence, Gwamnishu released a statement denying all wrongdoing. He said, “I was never arrested, nor was my car detained. The truth is, the bandits never promised to release both victims for ₦20 million, only one person. I cannot share operational details publicly because it would put the man’s life at risk.”
He also explained that he volunteered his expertise and refused payment. “The wife was released, the husband was held behind. They praise you when you succeed and crucify you when a mission doesn’t go as planned. The kidnappers are now celebrating because they know I was invited to help track them down.”
Gwamnishu added, “I was in Edo State only to assist. His Excellency asked me how much I wanted. I told him I didn’t want money, only the chance to test what we have. The CSO and COS were there. It wasn’t about money. No matter how they try to weaken me, I will not expose operational methods. I will keep working with the military, police and local vigilantes to fight insecurity.”
He said police advised him to leave his vehicle at a station for safety and provided escort. “I lead these operations for the government with voluntary support from Nigerians. Five million naira cannot destroy my name,” he said.
Calling for proper scrutiny of the claims, Gwamnishu stated, “If there is a case, I expect the family or authorities to take it to the police, DSS or the Army. Private investigators can also check.”
Gwamnishu has been credited in recent years with recovering large ransom sums, rescuing kidnap victims including Aisha Wahab, and helping stop several armed groups during joint operations.
