CISLAC Applauds Zamfara’s ‘Operation Safe Corridor,’ Calls for Holistic Implementation
Maryam Aminu
In a significant move to address the persistent insecurity in Zamfara State, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has lauded Governor Dauda Lawal for launching Operation Safe Corridor, an initiative focused on tackling banditry through non-kinetic means.
The program, according to Governor Lawal, is designed for “disarmament, de-radicalisation, and integration of repentant bandits who surrender unconditionally, facilitating their reintegration into society.” This approach marks a shift from the conventional military strategy to a more rehabilitative model aimed at long-term peace and stability.
In a statement signed by CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organization described the initiative as a “bold and necessary step” towards addressing Nigeria’s security crisis. Rafsanjani emphasized that adopting non-kinetic strategies aligns with the broader goal of reducing armed conflict while addressing the socio-economic factors that drive individuals into banditry.
CISLAC further stressed that for Operation Safe Corridor to be effective, the government must prioritize comprehensive rehabilitation and socio-economic empowerment programs before reintegrating ex-bandits.
“This will prevent re-radicalization and mitigate potential threats to communities,” the statement noted.
Additionally, the organization urged the Zamfara State Government to intensify efforts to dismantle the roots of banditry, including ideation, recruitment, and indoctrination.
It also encouraged fostering public-private partnerships to enhance counter-extremism education and community awareness.
Recognizing the plight of victims, CISLAC called for psychosocial support, compensation, and the reconstruction of affected communities to alleviate trauma and socio-economic losses.
The group further urged the Federal Government to collaborate with Zamfara State in ensuring the successful implementation of Operation Safe Corridor.
With this initiative, Zamfara joins the growing list of states adopting alternative security measures to combat rising insecurity, signaling a shift in Nigeria’s approach to tackling banditry.
