Ex-Defence Chief Irabor Urges Tinubu: Declare State Of Emergency On Boko Haram Now

Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), has revealed that Boko Haram’s insurgency has endured for over a decade due to its guerrilla tactics, extremist ideology, and weak political responses from Nigerian leaders.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In excerpts from his new book, Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, Irabor accused some politicians of making reckless statements that embolden insurgents while undermining national unity.

According to him, Boko Haram’s staying power lies in its ideology, which promises fighters “eternal reward,” making it a difficult movement to crush.

“The war against Boko Haram has lasted more than a decade, mainly because of the guerrilla tactics the group deploys and the ideology that drives them, suggesting that eternal reward awaits those who fight,” he explained.

He added that the sect sustains its operations by taxing farming and fishing communities while benefiting from external funding and technical support.

Irabor also warned that subtle backing from certain local communities and irresponsible political rhetoric fuel the insurgency further. He criticised politicians and influential Nigerians who, “knowingly or unknowingly, eulogise Boko Haram’s activities” under the guise of criticising government, stressing that such behaviour undermines peace and national unity.

The retired General lamented the lack of strong political will, which he described as a major weakness in Nigeria’s counterinsurgency efforts.

He urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency—backed by the National Assembly—to harness all elements of national power in the fight against Boko Haram.