“We Cannot Suffer in Burma and Return to Face Trials in Our Own Country”

Abstract

Second World War demobilization and reintegration of Nigerian veterans into civilian life, neglected previously by scholars, is examined within the broad literature on African post-war demobilization. Scholars’ focus on the anxieties that heralded demobilization, dashed hopes, grievances and political roles of ex-servicemen exposed lacunae about how the soldiers that survived the war were reintegrated into civilian life. This historical study interrogates archival sources to examine Nigerian demobilization and reintegration policies, programmes, challenges and solutions. It posits that the government ignored the lessons of hindsight, dashed ex-servicemen’s hopes, and generated grievances that nationalists failed to capitalize upon to hasten Nigeria’s independence.