Former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lucky Irabor, has recalled the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train terrorist attack as the most challenging episode of his tenure.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Monday, Irabor said the attack put the nation’s security system under extreme pressure and demanded all of his military experience.
The retired army chief said the defence headquarters had to mobilise significant resources and strategies to secure the release of the passengers abducted during the attack.
“For me, during the time I was CDS, the security situation around the country was most troubling,” Irabor said.
“I think the most challenging was the incident involving the train abduction, which added to the dynamics of the challenges we were facing at the time.
“All the experiences one had prior to that time were deployed to ensure those who were abducted were rescued.”
The retired general also reflected on other key security concerns during his tenure, including counter-insurgency operations in the north-east and protection of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta.
“Beyond that, the north-east operation was deep in my mind. Having served a greater part of my career there, I felt a need to return to ensure that operations were conducted effectively without losing our teams,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of safeguarding oil production, noting that it is crucial for the economic stability of the country.
Looking back on his life after retirement, Irabor said he now enjoys more freedom to pursue personal interests.
“It’s now relieving and freer to do what I want,” he said, adding that his experiences in service inspired his book, ‘Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum’.
On March 28, 2022, terrorists attacked an Abuja-bound Kaduna train and killed many passengers.
Several others were injured, while 61 persons were also abducted during the attack.
While all the abducted passengers were released at various intervals, some were freed after spending seven months in captivity.
