Banditry: CISLAC Applauds 'Operation Safe Corridor', Calls for Comprehensive Implementation

  By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International in Nigeria has praised the...

 

By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International in Nigeria has praised the Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, for launching Operation Safe Corridor, an initiative aimed at addressing insecurity through non-kinetic means.

Governor Lawal explained that the special operation focuses on "disarmament, de-radicalisation, and reintegration of repentant bandits who surrender unconditionally, facilitating their return to society."

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC commended the bold step, emphasizing that "the shift from kinetic to non-kinetic approaches in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges aligns with the administration’s commitment to decisively tackle banditry."

The organization noted that the initiative provides a safe passage for non-radicalized individuals who were drawn into banditry due to illiteracy, poverty, and other socio-economic factors.

CISLAC believes Operation Safe Corridor will strengthen policy focus on non-kinetic measures, reducing reliance on arms and ammunition in maintaining peace.

To ensure effectiveness, CISLAC urged the government to implement comprehensive rehabilitation and socio-economic empowerment programs before reintegrating repentant bandits. According to the organization, this approach will help prevent re-radicalization and mitigate potential threats to communities.

Additionally, CISLAC called on the Zamfara State Government to intensify efforts to disrupt the cycle of banditry at various stages, including ideation, recruitment, indoctrination, and violence. The group also encouraged public-private partnerships to enhance community awareness and counter-extremism education.

CISLAC further stressed the importance of providing psycho-social support, compensation, and reconstruction for victims of banditry to alleviate trauma and mitigate socio-economic losses.

Finally, the group urged the Federal Government to collaborate closely with Zamfara State to ensure the successful implementation of Operation Safe Corridor.