Reintegration or Relapse? Assessing the Effectiveness of DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration) Programs in Post-Insurgency North-East Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programmes in post-insurgency North-East Nigeria, with a specific focus on Borno State. Against the backdrop of the Boko Haram insurgency and increasing defections of ex-combatants, the study investigates the extent to which DDR initiatives have facilitated sustainable reintegration, identifies key factors contributing to relapse into insurgency, and evaluates community perceptions of reintegration efforts. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was adopted, involving 276 respondents drawn from community members, government officials, and NGO practitioners. Data were collected using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal that DDR programmes have achieved moderate success in facilitating reintegration, particularly in skills acquisition and behavioural transformation. However, significant challenges persist, especially in economic sustainability and community acceptance. Poverty and unemployment emerged as the most significant drivers of relapse, followed by social stigma and inadequate programme support. Regression analysis further indicates that institutional capacity significantly influences DDR effectiveness, while community perception, though important, is not statistically significant. The study concludes that while DDR programmes contribute to short-term stability, their long-term effectiveness depends on addressing underlying socio-economic vulnerabilities and strengthening community engagement. It recommends a more integrated, community-based, and development-oriented approach to DDR implementation in Nigeria.