The appointment of General Leo Irabor as the Chief of Defence Staff marked the crystallization of a brilliant career in the Nigerian Army. He was the nemesis of the once dreaded Boko Haram insurgent group in North East Nigeria.
General Irabor displayed courage as Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the Nigerian Army’s counter-insurgency outfit in the group’s heydays. The Boko Haram group controlled scores of local government areas, and the task to liberate these councils fell on the shoulders of the Irabor, who didn’t 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 ransacked the Boko Haram sect in their various hideouts, including its operational headquarters in Camp Zairo in Sambisa Forest. That act of bravery indeed began the ascendency of the Nigerian Army over the Boko Haram sect. It defined the outcome of the insurgency in North East Nigeria to date.
Those in the know of the operations of the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram would attest that General Irabor, as Theatre Commander raised the curtain in military strategies in counter-insurgency operations. But this was not on a platter of gold. It was a function of hard work, passion, dedication and patriotism.
This was coupled with having to deal with a fighting force that was highly demoralized and was on the brink of defeat. It has been stated that General 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 General Leo 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 Forest, 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.
General 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, General Irabor brought his magic wand to bear in coordinating the operations of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His exploits didn’t come of us as a surprise because of his track record of selfless service to the country. This much he has demonstrated in the cause 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 General 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 a seamless collaboration amongst 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.
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 phenomena called General Leo Irabor.
Ibrahim Dauda, Maiduguri
