ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the military dimension of demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration (DDR) in post-war Nigeria and compares the aspects of Nigeria's demobilisation that resonates in other similar cases in Africa. It explores the pattern and extent of international involvement in the DDR exercise, discussions with former Biafran combatants shows that they had to resort to self-help and assistance received from well meaning individuals. Demobilisation as a process emphasises helping former combatants to reintegrate themselves into civil society, by encouraging them to take responsibility for their lives whilst assisted by their families and communities. Reintegration, on its part is the complete and productive re-assimilation of ex-combatants and military personnel into civil society. In Nigeria, the demobilisation and reintegration of the armed forces took place in a climate of distrust and political affiliations among the former adversaries. The chapter discusses on two major problems faced by the government in demobilising the Biafran combatants.
