General Lucky Irabor, the former CDS chief of staff, described the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train abduction as one of his most challenging times.
Irabor, who appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, claimed the incident demanded his full knowledge of the military’s system and that it put the country’s security in jeopardy.
“The security situation around the country was the most alarming to me when I was a CDS.
He remarked, “The incident involving the train abduction, which increased the dynamics of the challenges we were facing at the time, was what I think was most challenging.”
The retired general argued that the Defense Headquarters needed to use a lot of resources and tactics to get the abducted passengers back.
He continued, “All the experiences one had before that time were used to ensure those who were abducted were rescued.
Relieved to be “freer.”
Irabor also cited other significant security issues that he faced during his administration, including the Niger Delta oil assets protection and the fight against insurgency in the North-East.
Beyond that, I had a thought about the North-East operation. I felt compelled to go back to ensure that operations were carried out effectively without sacrificing our teams because I spent more of my career there.
He added that stabilizing oil production was crucial for Nigeria’s economic strength, and that it was important.
The former defense chief said he now has more freedom to pursue personal goals after serving in reflection on his life.
He continued, “It’s now easier and freer for me to do what I want,” adding that his new book, Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, was inspired by his career.
Train Attack in Abuja-Kaduna
A passenger train was bombed and derailed near Katari in Kaduna State on March 28, 2022, in the tragic Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
More than 60 passengers were kidnapped, and at least eight were killed.
Train operations were suspended while rescue operations were launched following the incident.
Read more about the Kaduna Train Attack: Bandits Parade Kidnapped Victims, Including Students.
Authorities denied involvement, but many abductees were later released, reportedly after receiving ransom payments.
Source: Channels TV
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