| Country: | Angola |
| Details of Formation: | The ODP was established in the end of 1975. |
| Details of Termination: | The People's Defense Organization is replaced by the Directorate of People's Defence and Territorial Troops. |
| Purpose: | The ODP was founded as a militia to defend Angola’s territorial integrity and the power of the MLPA government. It supported the army in its fight against UNITA and the SADF. The militia aimed at securing schools, clinics, power plants, bridges and other places considered as likely UNITA targets. |
| Organisation: | The commander of the People’s Defence Organization was Lt-Col Paiva Domingos da Silva, who was Deputy Defence Minister at that time. The militia consisted of both armed and unarmed units in villages throughout the country. The group cooperated with the FAPLA, including joint operations. |
| Weapons and Training: | -- |
| Size: | In the end of the 1980s, the effective strength of the group is estimated as 50 000, but the nominal (possibly reserve) strength is suspected to be much higher with 500 000 members. |
| Reason for Membership: | -- |
| Treatment of Civilians: | -- |
| Other Information: | The group is also known as Popular Defense Organization. |
| References: | -- |