2022 Abuja–Kaduna train attack toughest moment of my career – Ex-CDS Lucky Irabor

By Kunle Sanni –

Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (rtd), has described the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train attack as the most challenging moment of his tenure as Nigeria’s top military officer.

Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Monday, Irabor said the deadly attack stretched the nation’s security architecture to its limits and tested his leadership and crisis management skills.

“The security situation across the country was most troubling during my time as CDS,” he said. “The most challenging was the train abduction incident, which added to the complexity of the threats we were already facing. All the experiences I had gathered over the years were brought to bear to ensure the safe rescue of those who were abducted.”

Irabor revealed that the Defence Headquarters had to deploy extensive resources and operational strategies to secure the release of the kidnapped passengers.

Reflecting on his time in service, the retired general also highlighted other major national security challenges, including the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East and efforts to protect vital oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

“Beyond the train attack, the North-East operation remained very close to my heart. Having served much of my career there, I felt a personal responsibility to ensure our troops conducted operations effectively and safely,” he explained.

He emphasized the importance of protecting oil assets, noting that maintaining stability in the oil sector is essential to Nigeria’s economic well-being.

Speaking about his post-service life, Irabor said retirement has given him the freedom to focus on personal pursuits, including writing. “It’s now relieving and freer to do what I want,” he said, adding that his experiences in uniform inspired his recent book titled Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum.