SECURITY WITHOUT JUSTICE: A CRITICAL REVIEW OF DISARMAMENT, DEMOBILISATION AND REINTEGRATION PROCESSES IN THE NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The Niger Delta inhabitants became radicalised after Kaima Declaration under the auspices of Ijaw Youth Movement. The conference extensively considered the activities of the multinational oil companies as related to oil exploration and exploitation, and underdevelopment of the Niger Delta region. The decisions reached at the conference included positive and negative consequences towards peace and security in the region. Following this conference, militant groups were formed by various communities that represented at the conference. The militant groups involved in nefarious activities such as kidnapping and killing of oil workers, government officials and foreigners; they also involved in destruction of oil installations. Nigerian Government deployed military to enforce law and order in the region. The presence of military in the region led to confrontation with the militant groups. To resolve the conflict, government began de-radicalisation processes. Amnesty was given to the militant groups, Ministry of Niger Delta was created; this was followed by disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) process. It was discovered in this study that radicalisation was a result of neglect, divide and rule, inequality, lack of development. The paper therefore suggested a long process of de-radicalisation programme to sustain fragile peace in the region; this is expected to be combined with transitional justice processes in order to serve the interest of victims of the conflict.