General Lucky Irabor: A Military Icon and His Enduring Legacy

As he bows out of military after 37 years of serving the Armed Forces of Nigeria meritoriously, General Lucky Irabor’s footprints on the military and the nation will endure and solidify his legacy, Vanessa Obioha writes

Amidst the turbulent currents of history, General George S. Patton, an esteemed commander in the United States Army, forged a path marked by unwavering resolve. Leading the Seventh United States Army in the Mediterranean Theater of World War II, he demonstrated strategic brilliance and an indomitable spirit that etched his name into the annals of legend. From the arid deserts of North Africa to the fields of Europe, he led his troops to victory, leaving an indelible mark on warfare. Today, Patton’s legacy serves as a reminder of the tenacity and leadership required to triumph over adversity in the face of daunting challenges.

Similarly, General Lucky Irabor, a highly respected and accomplished Nigerian military officer with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, rising to the highest echelons of the Nigerian Armed Forces as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) had faced daunting challenges but surmounted them to become a reference point that inspires men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.  But like every good story that is often revisited, there is an end to each chapter.  General Irabor marked a close to one of such chapters recently. 

The former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria was honoured and pulled out of the Armed Forces of Nigeria during a ceremony held at Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja. In his farewell speech, General Irabor expressed his pride in leaving the armed forces stronger and more capable in tackling adversaries than when he took charge.

“We were encouraged to pursue these measures in addition to other initiatives to reinvigorate the national security architecture to deliver critical national security functions. I make bold to say that I’m leaving the armed forces of Nigeria today, bigger, stronger, and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate and national security functions,” he asserted. 

Under Irabor’s leadership, significant progress was made in curbing the threats of terrorism, insurgency, piracy, sea robberies, vandalism of national assets, and kidnappings.

He emphasised that the collaboration between the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), other security agencies, and stakeholders brought about delivering a secure environment for law and order, democratic processes, human security, and national development.

“We successfully worked in conjunction with other security agencies and stakeholders to deliver a physical security environment that is amenable for law and order, critical democratic processes, as well as human security and national development,” he added.

Fully aware of the magnitude of the security crises he faced, Irabor wasted no time in formulating strategies to combat Boko Haram, the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), kidnappers, and other threats to Nigeria’s collective peace. He rolled up his sleeves, engaged in critical thinking, and fostered collaboration with other security chiefs and relevant stakeholders.

In a matter of weeks after assuming office, he unveiled his command philosophy, aptly named PEARL. Representing a Nigerian military that is Professional, Effective, Agile, Result-oriented, and Loyal to constituted authority, PEARL provided a solid foundation for the military’s defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity. The philosophy resonated deeply and served as a guiding principle for future generations of soldiers.

As he bade farewell to the military service, Irabor urged citizens to appreciate and support the military, emphasising that they are a beacon of hope, strength, and resilience in a complex world. He called for the avoidance of denigrating the contributions of the armed forces to national security, unity, and stability. Irabor concluded by expressing his gratitude to the officers, men, and women of the AFN for their dedication, patriotism, hard work, and sacrifices.

Born on October 5, 1965, in Aliokpu Agbo, Delta State, Nigeria, Irabor embarked on his military journey by joining the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna in 1983 as a member of the 34 Regular Course. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant on June 28, 1986, into the Signals Corps of the Nigerian Army.

In 1995, Irabor pursued his junior staff course at the prestigious Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji (AFCSC). Seeking to further refine his expertise, he undertook the senior staff course at the Ghana Armed Forces Staff College in Teshie, Accra, Ghana, in 2000/2001. Driven by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a commitment to outshining his peers, he pursued advanced studies at the National Defence College in Bangladesh in 2010. Additionally, he enhanced his leadership acumen through enrollment in the distinguished Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Executive Education programmes in the United States in both 2012 and 2017.

Irabor’s pursuit of intellectual growth is paralleled by his impressive academic achievements. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University and has attained two master’s degrees from the University of Ghana and Bangladesh University of Professionals, Dhaka. These accomplishments reflect his unwavering dedication to learning and determination to stand out as an exceptional leader.

Irabor held numerous crucial positions throughout his career. He showcased unwavering dedication, resilience, and strategic acumen in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges. Notably, he played a significant role in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency and other security threats plaguing the country.

As Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the Nigerian Army’s counter-insurgency outfit in the group’s heyday, Irabor was seen as Boko Haram’s nemesis for his courage and determination in wrestling the insurgents. Under his guidance, the Nigerian Army took control of occupied territories under the control of Boko Haram, resulting in the killings of some of the commanders of the terrorist group. Particularly, he was responsible for capturing Alargano Forest, a sort of spiritual base for Boko Haram. He also planned and executed operations that led to the clearance of the notorious Sambisa Forest. Indeed, his leadership contributed to significant successes in reducing the activities and influence of these insurgent groups.

Recognised for his exceptional skills in planning and executing military operations, Irabor was later appointed as the Chief of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Army.

On January 26, 2021, Irabor was appointed as the 17th Chief of Defence Staff, the highest-ranking military position in Nigeria. In his new role, he was in charge of the overall defence policy formulation and implementation, providing strategic direction to the Nigerian Army.

Irabor worked closely with other security agencies and international partners to address the evolving security landscape in Nigeria. Also, many security and intelligence services were organised. He authored a gender policy for the Armed Forces and built a very healthy relationship between the Nigerian Army and other countries’ armed forces, such as Niger Republic and Chad. Through his interventions, many abducted citizens were freed from the clutches of their captors.

Irabor’s leadership style was characterised by discipline, professionalism, and a commitment to upholding the integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces. He prioritised the welfare of personnel, promoted interagency collaboration, and emphasised the importance of training and capacity building.

His commitment to the well-being of the troops and police was unwavering. He visited war zones and commands, providing much-needed motivation and support to the gallant peacekeepers. His presence alone sparked a fire of determination within the soldiers, inspiring them to push harder and crack down on conflict elements. The soldiers recognized that Nigeria belonged to all.

Throughout his illustrious career, Irabor received numerous awards and commendations for his exceptional service and contributions to national security, including a national honour in 2022. Former President Muhammadu Buhari conferred on him the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic  (CFR).

As he bows out of service, Irabor’s impact on the military and the nation will endure, solidifying his legacy as an influential figure. His indelible mark, imprinted through his leadership and achievements, will shape the course of the military for years to come. The values he embodied and the solutions he brought to the table will continue to guide and inspire future generations, ensuring that his contributions remain an integral part of Nigeria’s history.