The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International Nigeria has commended Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, for launching Operation Safe Corridor, an initiative aimed at addressing insecurity through non-kinetic approaches.
According to the governor, the program focuses on disarmament, de-radicalization, and reintegration of repentant bandits who surrender unconditionally, helping them transition back into society.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC praised the initiative, emphasizing that shifting from military-based operations to non-kinetic strategies aligns with efforts to combat banditry effectively. The organization highlighted that many individuals were drawn into banditry due to illiteracy, poverty, and socio-economic hardship, making rehabilitation crucial.
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To enhance the program’s success, CISLAC urged the government to implement comprehensive rehabilitation and socio-economic empowerment programs to prevent re-radicalization and ensure sustainable reintegration.
The organization also called on the Zamfara State Government to intensify efforts to disrupt banditry at various stages, including recruitment, indoctrination, and violence. Additionally, CISLAC advocated for public-private partnerships to boost community awareness and counter-extremism education.
Emphasizing the need for victim support, CISLAC stressed the importance of providing psycho-social assistance, compensation, and reconstruction efforts for affected communities. The group also urged the Federal Government to collaborate closely with Zamfara State to ensure the program’s successful implementation.