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The Nigerian government plans to open a second Operation SAFE CORRIDOR rehabilitation camp for low-risk terrorists and bandits in the Northwest region. While officials claim it aims to deradicalize ex-combatants, critics argue it prioritizes insurgents over victims, sparking widespread backlash over the government's approach to security and justice.

The Nigerian federal government has announced plans to establish a second Operation SAFE CORRIDOR Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) camp in the Northwest region, aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating low-risk terrorists and bandits who voluntarily surrender. The first center, located in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State, has reportedly graduated nearly 3,000 former combatants since its inception.

The initiative, disclosed by Major-General Adamu Garba Laka, the National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), is designed to deradicalize and reintegrate former insurgents into society. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation among Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, and Benin Republic in combatting terrorism through both military action and reintegration programs.

However, the plan has ignited widespread criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the government's prioritization of terrorists over victims. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, clarified that while his administration will not negotiate with terrorists, those who renounce violence may be reintegrated into society.

The announcement has been met with fierce backlash, especially on social media. Critics argue that rehabilitating terrorists while punishing petty offenders and political agitators highlights systemic injustice. Many have accused the government of treating insurgents with leniency while ignoring the plight of victims of terrorism. Some Nigerians also suspect that the initiative is a ploy to siphon public funds under the guise of deradicalization.

As debates intensify, concerns remain over whether such programs truly prevent reoffending or if former insurgents could exploit the system to return to violence.