Re-Defining Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in Nigeria: Towards Achieving Security in the North-East Region

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue V, May 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Re-Defining Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration in Nigeria: Towards Achieving Security in the North-East Region

Chukwuzitara Juliet Uchegbu

Department of Defence and Security Studies, Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, National Defence College, Nigeria

Abstract: – The proliferation of SALW and their central role in conflict have made Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) an essential component of peace building. In Nigeria, the nature of the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast of Nigeria has attracted series of efforts to respond and curb Boko Haram terrorists’ activities and secure communities from sporadic attacks. This line of actions further demands more than rehabilitation and de-radicalization of ex-combatant but requires an intervention to include effective DDR strategies. Also, re-defining DDR strategies will further drive the stabilization and recovery processes that will restore security in the Northeast region.

Key Words: Boko Haram, DDR, Security, Insurgency and Terrorism

I. INTRODUCTION

Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 ushered in waves of insecurity virtually in every region and range of violent conflicts across the country.These include the militancy in the South-South (Niger-Delta Region) with kidnapping, cultism, communal clashes in other states in the Southern region, terrorism and insurgency in the North. The Northeast as part of the six (6) geo-political zones of the country haveexperience waves of insurgency attacklsfrom Boko Haram sect which also extended to other Northern states and across other neigbouring countries.In seeking solutions to these various security challenges, the Nigerian government offered the initiation of Demobilization, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) as part of the strategies in the rehabilitation of the Northeast region.
The nature of the insurgency in the Northeast therefore, determines that governmentresponse should be able to curb Boko Haram terrorists’ activities and secure communities from sporadic attacks of the insurgent.Unlike the Niger Delta which has been plagued by conflicts and violence as a result of the large deposit of crude oil and the environmental challenges experienced by communities in the region, Boko Haram’s campaign of terror ends have become a matter of serious concern in Nigeria and beyond.

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