Democratic Security Sector Governance and Military Reform in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria began to reform its security sector as part of the transition from military to civilian rule at the start of the new millennium. The reforms began with an effort to convince the armed forces to return to their barracks and keep to their constitutional role as guardians of the state. Elections were conducted and a civilian administration took control of the government and military in a short transition programme organised by General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s regime. The Obasanjo Government (1999 – 2007) implemented a series of reforms to strengthen political institutions after years of tyranny and economic recession. The National Economic