Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd.), has given a candid assessment of Nigeria’s escalating security challenges, citing the surge in killings, kidnappings, and banditry as a major national concern.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Irabor stressed that while efforts have been made by northern leaders, governors, and traditional rulers, the current approach is insufficient to tackle the scale of insecurity facing the country.
According to Irabor, the problem is compounded by ineffective coordination between military, police, and community security efforts, alongside systemic issues such as corruption, poverty, and weak governance structures.
He highlighted that past strategies have often focused on reactive responses rather than proactive intelligence-driven measures, allowing criminal networks, insurgents, and terrorists to adapt and escalate their operations.
The retired general emphasized the urgent need for state police reforms, better intelligence-sharing, and active community engagement to combat insecurity effectively.
He noted that without accountability and proactive leadership, local and national responses remain fragmented, and the civilian population continues to bear the brunt of violent crimes.
Irabor also spoke about the importance of addressing the socio-economic root causes of crime, warning that security measures alone cannot solve the crisis.
He advocated for policies that promote equity, justice, and economic opportunity, stressing that leaders must implement the law impartially and ensure that perpetrators of violence, including terrorist elements, are prosecuted and not shielded.
The interview sparked intense public discussion on social media. Viewers expressed frustration at the slow pace of progress, highlighting the need for decisive action, inclusive governance, and reforms in security architecture.
While many praised Irabor for his frank and professional insights, others questioned why political leaders and former government officials are not participating more actively in addressing security challenges.
General Irabor’s comments serve as a stark reminder that Nigeria’s security situation requires a holistic, multi-pronged approach—combining strong leadership, community participation, and systemic reforms—to restore safety, trust, and stability across the nation
