Nigerian Army Seeks Katsina Government’s Support for Bandit Reintegration

The Nigerian Army has launched a new initiative, “Operation Save Corridor North-West,” aimed at reintegrating bandits who are willing to surrender. The General Officer Commanding, 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Ebikunle Ademola-Ajose, made the announcement during a visit to Governor Dikko Radda in Katsina.

The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the security challenges in the North-West region. The program is designed to allow surrendering bandits to release kidnapped victims, surrender their arms, and reintegrate into society.

Governor Radda expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the reintegration process. He stated that without the buy-in of the community, the program would not be successful.

The governor also highlighted the need for laid-down conditions to be forwarded to the bandits for their acceptability or otherwise. He noted that the state government was willing to provide support for the reintegration program, but emphasized that the bandits must be willing to surrender and renounce their violent ways.

The launch of “Operation Save Corridor North-West” is a significant development in the government’s efforts to address the security challenges in the North-West region. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges in the region.

The Nigerian Army has assured that the reintegration program will be carried out in a transparent and fair manner. The army has also appealed to the bandits to take advantage of the initiative and surrender their arms.

The success of the reintegration program will depend on the cooperation and support of the local community. The government has urged the community to work together with the security agencies to ensure the success of the program.