The Program of Deradicalization of Islamists “Operation Safe Corridor” in Nigeria: Evaluation by Contemporary African Scholars

The problem of deradicalization programs for Islamists in Nigeria has taken an important place in the studies of the modern African scholars. The article is devoted to the study of the works of contemporary African authors related to the Operation Safe Corridor program. The authors of the works selected for analysis note that the state’s forceful responses and military operations should coexist with the concept and practices of “soft power”. Scholars argue that the Operation Safe Corridor program has structural flaws. These, according to the authors, include the predominant role of the military in program management; non-transparency of program management for society; amnesty for former terrorists without justice. One of the key problems of the program is the reintegration of the former fighters into local communities. The lack of mechanisms to ensure the involvement of public and religious community leaders in the development of a deradicalization program often undermines the goals of the program. The economic dimension of the program, according to scientists, is very important. There are risks for former terrorists returning to the terrorist group due to economic problems, poverty and unemployment.

Operation Safe Corridor, Nigeria, deradicalization, Islamism, Boko Haram, reintegration, Operation Safe Corridor