ADVANCING THE NEED FOR REPARATION FOR VICTIMS OF THE NIGERIA–BIAFRA ARMED CONFLICT

Abstract

The Nigeria–Biafra armed conflict (1967–1970) remained one of the most devastating
episodes in West African history, marked by widespread violations of international
humanitarian law, mass atrocities, starvation, displacement, and lasting socioeconomic dislocation. More than five decades after the war, victims and affected
communities continue to live with unresolved grievances, unacknowledged suffering,
and the absence of a comprehensive reparative framework. This study critically
examined the normative, historical, and institutional dimensions of reparations for
victims of the conflict, interrogating the extent to which Nigeria’s legal and political
structures have engaged with the principles of accountability, restorative justice, and
victim-centred redress. Drawing from international legal standards, including the UN
Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation, customary
international humanitarian law, and comparative post-conflict reparation
mechanisms, this work highlighted the legal basis for reparations as well as their moral
and political imperatives. The abstract analysed key categories of harm suffered by
victims, including mass civilian casualties, loss of property, sexual violence, forced
displacement, and systematic starvation used as a war tactic. It argued that despite
Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule and several national initiatives such as the Oputa
Panel and limited regional restitution programmes, the country had not implemented
a comprehensive, state-endorsed reparations policy. The continued marginalisation of
war-affected communities, particularly in the South-East, reveals deep structural gaps
in recognition, accountability, memorialisation, and economic rehabilitation. The
study proposed a multi-layered reparations model consisting of restitution,
compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-recurrence. It further
recommended institutional reforms and a victim-focused mechanism grounded in truthseeking, historical acknowledgement, and inclusive policy development. Ultimately, it
argued that meaningful reparation was essential not only for healing historical wounds
but also for strengthening national cohesion, promoting transitional justice, and
preventing future conflict in Nigeria.