Operation safe corridor graduates recount ordeals, laud programme

The Federal Government's Operation Safe Corridor initiative, designed for the rehabilitation and reintegration of former insurgents, has seen its latest cohort of graduates share deeply personal and often harrowing accounts. Several participants recounted being victims of circumstance, arrested and detained for extended periods – some for as long as seven months or more – for offenses they vehemently deny involvement in. Basil Anetochukwu's story, where an electrician's failure to appear led to his arrest at 3 a.m. and subsequent detention across multiple states, exemplifies the arbitrary nature of some detentions. Such narratives highlight a critical disconnect between the program's rehabilitative aims and the justice system's processes that can ensnare innocent individuals. While the graduates expressed gratitude for the vocational skills acquired and the support received through the program, their testimonies serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of prolonged detention and the importance of due process. The call from graduates like Tochukwu for public understanding and support, emphasizing that many are victims rather than perpetrators, is crucial for shifting perceptions. This program, while offering a path to redemption, also shines a light on the systemic issues that lead to wrongful arrests and the urgent need for reform within the justice and security apparatus.

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The security invaded my house around 3 a.m. They were asking me about the guy. I told them I don’t know him. I only called him to fix an electrical fault.