Irabor: I’m Leaving Military Stronger Than I Met it

*Says armed forces under his watch curbed terrorism, oil theft; warns against playing politics with army

The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (retd), was yesterday pulled out of the Armed Forces of Nigeria amid encomiums.

During the ceremony held at Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, and attended by Chief of Defence Staff, Maj Gen Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar; an elated Irabor declared that he was leaving the Nigerian military stronger and more capable of tackling adversaries than he met it.

He also admitted that the task wasn’t easy due to the large and diverse nature of the country.

The former CDS said, “National security for a large and diverse country like Nigeria is not an easy task, but it is also not an impossible one. In 2021, the security situation of the nation was admittedly in a state of dynamic plus. Efforts made by the federal government of Nigeria using the AFN in collaboration with the NPF, other security agencies, and critical stakeholders were in different stages of gestation.

“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 said the military under his watch had significantly curbed the threat of terrorism and piracy, among others.

Irabor said, “In more specific terms, we have significantly curtailed the threats of terrorism, insurgency, piracy, sea robberies, vandalism of critical national assets and kidnappings, and military aid to civil authority.

“We successfully work 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 urged the citizens to be proud of the military and refrain from denigrating the service, adding that the military stood as a beacon of hope for the country.

Irabor said, “Without doubt, the nation should be proud of its military, to whom too many security concerns seem to now be consigned. I therefore state with a sense of responsibility but as a nation, we should avoid the deliberate or inadvertent inclination to denigrate the contributions of the armed forces to national security, unity, and stability. Our military stands as a beacon of hope, strength, and resilience in an increasingly complex world.”

He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) delivered on its constitutional mandate “as a defender of the Nigerian state, territories, and people in addition to providing a bulwark for unbroken democratic evolution.

“In other words, the AFN has been a foremost national institution in ensuring the security and stability of the nation,” said Irabor.

He noted that despite the current challenges, he remained very proud of the patriotism, dedication, hard work and sacrifices of the officers, men and women of the AFN which is propelled by “love for country.”

The former CDS said: “Going forward, our thinking and national security approach must be so mighty that no potential aggressor will be tempted to risk his own destruction. There is a saying that “old soldiers never die, they just fade away.

“While my time in uniform has come to an end, the lessons, friendships, and values I have gained during my years of service will remain with me always. Farewell, my fellow warriors, and may you continue to serve our nation with honour, courage, and unwavering dedication.

“Throughout my years of service, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, bravest, courageous, and selfless men and women I have ever known. Your unshakeable commitment to our nation, our values, and our mission has been a constant source of inspiration. The bonds we have forged in the face of adversity are unbreakable, and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with each and every one of you.

“The friendship and unity that exists within the armed forces, you cannot find it anywhere and that is why you shouldn’t play politics with the military because, from the 774 LGA of this country, everyone is represented. There is no commander that goes to war with those he claims are his kinsmen.

“Without doubt, the nation should be proud of its military to whom too many security concerns seem now to be consigned. I therefore state with a sense of responsibility, that as a nation, we should avoid the deliberate or inadvertent inclination to denigrate the contributions of the AFN to national security, unity, and stability. To do so will be to effectively undermine the Nigerian state.

“After 37 years of unblemished service to the AFN and the nation and having served as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the past 29 months, there is valid justification for the mixed emotions of great submission, reflection, humility, gratitude, and of course, relief.”

Other dignitaries that attended the pull-out ceremony included Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oboriewori; the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; former defence chiefs, Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi, Alexander Ogomudia, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyin Pentirin; the immediate past service chiefs – Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya (Army), Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (Navy) and Air Marshal Oladayo Amao (Air Force).

Irabor was appointed CDS in January 2021 and retired alongside others on June 19, following the appointment of new service chiefs by President Bola Tinubu.
The pull-out ceremony is part of the military tradition to honour retiring generals. The event usually involves a March Past by the officers of the Nigerian Army, among others.