Lucky Iraboro, the former chief of defence staff (CDS), has described the March 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train terrorist attack as the most difficult and emotionally draining experience of his military career.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Monday, the retired general said the incident tested the limits of Nigeria’s security architecture and demanded the full weight of his experience as the nation’s top defence officer.
“For me, during the time I was CDS, the security situation around the country was most troubling.
“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”, Irabor said.
The former defence chief recalled how the Defence Headquarters had to mobilise extensive resources, coordinate multiple security agencies, and devise complex rescue operations to secure the release of passengers kidnapped during the train attack.
Irabor said the experience not only tested the nation’s resolve but also deepened his appreciation for the courage of troops confronting insecurity in different parts of the country.
The March 28, 2022 attack shocked the nation when terrorists bombed the rail tracks and opened fire on passengers travelling from Abuja to Kaduna.
Dozens were killed, several others sustained injuries, and at least 61 passengers were abducted.
The victims were eventually released in batches, with the last group regaining freedom about seven months later.
Beyond the train attack, the retired general highlighted ongoing counter-insurgency efforts in the North-East and protection of oil infrastructure in the Niger Delta as other major priorities during his tenure.
“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 also stressed that safeguarding oil production was vital to sustaining the country’s economic stability.
Reflecting on life after active service, Irabor said retirement has offered him the freedom to pursue personal passions and intellectual work.
He noted that his experiences in uniform inspired his book, Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, which explores the country’s prolonged struggle with terrorism.
The 2022 train attack triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger intelligence coordination and enhanced railway security.
Two years later, in January 2024, the Nigeria Police Force announced the arrest of one Ibrahim Abdullahi, also known as “Mande,” the alleged mastermind of the attack.
According to then police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Abdullahi was arrested by the anti-kidnapping unit of the Kadu Chna State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and confessed to leading a notorious kidnapping syndicate that had terrorised the Kaduna–Abuja highway.
Irabor served as Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff from January 2021 to June 2023 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
