Deradicalization Without Trust: Evaluating the Legitimacy and Community Deficit of Nigeria’s Operation Safe Corridor

Temitope Olodo; Adebimpe Saheed Fagbemi; PhD

doi:10.56201/rjhcs.v12.no3.2026.pg45.50

📄 Download Paper

Deradicalization Without Trust: Evaluating the Legitimacy and Community Deficit of Nigeria’s Operation Safe Corridor

Temitope Olodo, Adebimpe Saheed Fagbemi, PhD

Abstract

Deradicalisation has emerged as a central pillar of counterterrorism policy globally, particularly in contexts experiencing protracted insurgencies. In Nigeria, Operation Safe Corridor represents a flagship non-kinetic initiative aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating former Boko Haram affiliates. However, persistent concerns regarding legitimacy, transparency, and community trust have raised questions about its effectiveness. This study critically examines OSC through a mixed-methods approach combining an extensive literature review with original survey data collected via the Africa Security Forum platform. Findings indicate a significant trust deficit between affected communities and state-led deradicalisation efforts, driven by perceived lack of accountability, weak legal integration, and minimal community participation. Comparative analysis with international models highlights structural deviations that undermine programme credibility. The paper argues that deradicalisation cannot succeed without legitimacy rooted in procedural justice, transparency, and community ownership. It concludes by proposing a reconfigured framework centred on civilian oversight, legal accountability, and participatory reintegration mechanisms.

Keywords

CounterterrorismDeradicalisationNigeriaOperation Safe CorridorReintegration

References

Botha, A., & Abdile, M. (2019). Radicalisation and al-Shabaab recruitment in Somalia. Institute for Security Studies. Boucek, C. (2008). Saudi Arabia’s soft counterterrorism strategy. Carnegie Papers, 97. El-Said, H. (2015). New approaches to countering terrorism. Palgrave Macmillan. Fagbemi, A.S and Ogunbanjo, M.A (2023). Patterns and trend of insurgency in the Nigerian State: Issues and possible solutions. A journal of Institute of peace studies and conflict management, Jalingo, Nigeria. Fagbemi, A. S, Issa, A.G and Fagbemi, C.A (2024). Intelligence Gathering and Policy Formulation for Addressing Security Threats in Nigeria. African Journal of Humanities and Contemporary Education Research, 16(1). 139-149. https://doi.org/10.62154/ajhcer.2024.016.010423 Grossman, M., et al. (2020). Community reporting thresholds in countering violent extremism. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 43(9). Horgan, J. (2009). Walking away from terrorism. Routledge. Kruglanski, A. W., et al. (2014). Psychology of radicalization. Political Psychology, 35(S1). Olofinbiyi, S.A., & Steyn, J., (2019). The Boko Haram Impasse: Community Policing as a Nostrum for Conflict Resolution. Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Pp 2 – 7. Rabasa, A., et al. (2010). Deradicalizing Islamist extremists. RAND. Tyler, T. R. (2006). Why people obey the law. Princeton University Press. UNDP. (2017). Journey to extremism in Africa. United Nations Development Programme.

Deradicalization Without Trust: Evaluating the Legitimacy and Community Deficit of Nigeria’s Operation Safe Corridor

Abstract

Keywords

References

More Articles from RESEARCH JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND CULTURAL STUDIES