The controversial decision to reintegrate “repentant” bandits into the society is beginning to pay off – in a bad way. One of them has reportedly killed a commercial driver in Kaduna State while kidnapping nine others.
Established in 2016 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, the Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC) is the primary Federal Government programme for disarmament, deradicalization, rehabilitation, and reintegration (DDRR) of so-called “low-risk” bandits. A lot of Nigerians kicked against it, but the government went right ahead.
Before now, there has been several reported incidences of attacks by bandits who benefited from the amnesty. But the killing and kidnapping in Kaduna once again highlighted the flaws in the programme.
OPSC is not the only programme which seeks to make peace with armed groups in Nigeria. On June 25, 2009 former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua granted amnesty to militants in Niger Delta. They were asked to lay down their arms in exchange of monthly stipends, job and educational opportunities.
However, 17 years later, events show that Yar’Adua’s programme was well thought-out. It may not have completely ended oil theft and violence in the riverine area, but there are rarely reported cases of betraying the agreement by the beneficiaries.
For decades insurgents have taken over most part of North East, starting from Borno State. They have been expanding their operations to others states in the region and also spreading in both North Central and North West.