The moment the Nigerian Civil War ended and efforts at post-war reconstruction began, it was obvious to all the key actors that the DDR exercise, largely because of the nature of the civil war, would have different ramifications. While historically, post-conflict peace building is characterised by efforts to identify and support structures that will strengthen and solidify peace and avoid a relapse into conflict, the situation in Nigeria and the extent of the conflict showed that the emphasis needed to be followed to the letter. In this regard, the broader process of reconciliation, nation building, strengthening of civil society and reintegration usually entails elements of military demobilisation. In some recent cases, former combatants have even gone further to engage in the reconstruction of roads, bridges, dams, schools and clinics,1 thus showing that demobilisation and reintegration usually take place alongside efforts to reconstruct infrastructure, agriculture and industry.