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By Ibrahim Dauda
The appointment of General L.E.O. Irabor as the Chief of Defense Staff marked the crystallization of a brilliant career in the prestigious Nigerian Army. He was the nemesis of the once dreaded Boko Haram terror group in the North East.
Irabor displayed courage as theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the Nigerian Army’s counter-insurgency outfit in the group’s heyday. The Boko Haram group controlled local government areas, and the task to liberate the local government areas fell on the shoulders of the Irabor, who did not disappoint in the mission.
The story of Irabor in the theatre of operations in north-east Nigeria was that of courage and determination. He led in an exemplary manner that saw the dissemination of the Boko Haram group in their enclaves. The Nigerian Army, under the operational command of Irabor, took the battle to the trenches. It sacked the Boko Haram sect from their various hideouts, including their headquarters in Sambisa Forest. That act of bravery indeed began the ascendency of the Nigerian Army over Boko Haram. It defined the outcome of the insurgency in the North-East to date.
Those in the know of the operations of the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram would attest that Irabor, as theatre commander, raised the curtain in military strategies in counter-insurgency operations. But this was not on a gold platter. It was a function of hard work, passion, dedication and patriotism.
This was coupled with having to deal with a fighting force that was demoralized and on the brink of defeat. It has been stated that Irabor, upon assumption of office, initiated operational plans and policies that revived the efforts at addressing the threats posed by the Boko Haram group. And it paid off with multiple gains recorded in the fight against Boko Haram.
It can be said that the era of Irabor in Operation Laifya Dole has remained one of the best in terms of operational effectiveness. I recall that the Nigerian Army took control of hitherto occupied territories under the control of the Boko Haram group, with scores of Boko Haram commanders killed in the process.
He was responsible for capturing Alargano Forest, the acclaimed spiritual base of Boko Haram. He also planned and executed the conduct of Operations Crackdown 1 and 2, Rescue Finale and Deep Punch, which led to the clearance of Sambisa, the destruction of BHT camps and enclaves, the capture of several weapons, vehicles and equipment belonging to BHT as well as rescued well over 20,000 civilians abducted by BHT.
Gen. Irabor was nicknamed the Boko Haram Nemesis at some point because he showed no mercy. He prosecuted the battle with finesse, so much so that he received accolades from the then-governor of Borno State, Kashim Shetimma, for acts of bravery and dedication to duty.
Little wonder that, as Chief of Defence Staff, Irabor brought his magic to bear in coordinating the operations of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His exploits didn’t come to some of us as a surprise because of his track record of selfless service to the country. This much he has demonstrated in the course of an illustrious career that has seen him excel in command and operations positions, culminating in his appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff.
The story of Irabor is a lesson in patriotism and dedication to a noble cause. Nigeria is in need of such selfless individuals that are passionate about the peace and unity of the country. This much he has exemplified as Chief of Defence Staff. It is on record that, as Chief of Defence Staff, he has ensured seamless collaboration among the security agencies in the country. This was a departure from when the various security agencies were operating at different frequencies.
Undoubtedly, he is a team player who understands the art of war, which is mainly responsible for the numerous gains recorded by the Nigerian military in its operations across the country since he assumed office. That Irabor is the soldier’s soldier is not news; what is news is that he remains one of the finest officers produced by the Nigerian Army in recent times.
The country is blessed with an exemplary, passionate officer dedicated to the Nigerian cause. He deserves all the commendation he can get. His exploits as theatre commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, and Chief of Defence Staff explain the phenomenon called Irabor.
His frame might not connote that of a warrior, but he is every inch one. That he is also slow to speak does not mean he is slow to act. As a fact, those that have worked under him readily attest to the fact that with General LEO Irabor, the reward for hard work is more work. His penchant for leading by example is exemplary. It has defined his work ethic during his career in the Nigerian Army: he is undoubtedly a brilliant officer.
That the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has fared well recently is a testament to the dexterity of a General who earned his stripes. The history of counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria would be incomplete without the mention of General Irabor.
•Dauda, a public affairs analyst, wrote this piece from Maiduguri, Borno State
