De-radicalisation camps where civilians are forced into B’Haram rehab

Nigeria's deradicalisation program, Operation Safe Corridor, is facing scrutiny as some participants claim they were wrongly arrested and are now undergoing rehabilitation alongside convicted insurgents.

Baba Garba, now 31, shared his experience of being arrested at 18 during a military crackdown in Warabe, Borno State. He spent four days at Giwa Barracks before being moved to Kainji, where he remained for 11 years. After 13 years lost since his initial arrest, Garba is now participating in the Operation Safe Corridor program at the Malam Sidi rehabilitation camp in Gombe, preparing for reintegration into society.

Established in 2016, Operation Safe Corridor is Nigeria's deradicalisation, rehabilitation, and reintegration initiative for repentant terrorists. It employs a non-kinetic counter-insurgency strategy that includes psychological counseling, religious reorientation, vocational training, and structured education. The program aims to transform former combatants into productive members of society.

Documents reviewed indicate that individuals admitted into the program, referred to as "clients," undergo comprehensive medical and physical examinations upon arrival. They also receive vocational training and rehabilitation sessions. However, Garba's story highlights concerns about the program's intake process, suggesting that individuals may be admitted without sufficient vetting, leading to wrongful detentions and forced participation in rehabilitation alongside genuine former insurgents.

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We were at home in Warabe when the attack happened. The Army came and took us to Giwa Barracks. We spent four days there before they moved us to Kainji, where I stayed for 11 years. I have now spent two years here in the camp. It has been 13 years since I left home.