EXCLUSIVE: Leaders Clash Over Nigeria’s Security Path at Gen. Irabor’s Book Launch

Nigeria’s prolonged battle with Boko Haram and the nation’s broader security strategy took center stage at the public presentation of “SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum”, a new book authored by former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd).

The event, which also commemorated General Irabor’s 60th birthday, held in Abuja on 4 October 2025, gathered a distinguished audience of political leaders, military chiefs, clerics and scholars, quickly turning into a thought-provoking debate on how best to address the country’s enduring insecurity challenges.

“The account in this book is the painful truth as I see it. I hope it will elicit a national conversation aimed at focusing attention on credible solutions to our challenges,” Irabor stated . He emphasized that the book was intended to inspire empathy, reflection, and ultimately hope, adding that “collectively, we can turn our scars into victories of nationhood”. He said in his address. 

Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, stirred discussions when he argued that Nigeria’s war against terrorism cannot be won by bullets alone.

“You cannot bomb your way out of an idea. Boko Haram is not just a military problem; it is a symptom of failed governance, moral neglect, and the manipulation of religion for political ends.” Bishop Kukah said.

In response, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III, defended Islam from being associated with extremism, insisting that criminals should not be mistaken for believers.

“Boko Haram does not represent Islam. We must separate the actions of violent individuals from the teachings of the faith. Religion should be a tool for peace, not division.” The Sultan said firmly. 

The event also featured remarks from General Christopher Gwabin Musa, the current Chief of Defence Staff, who expressed regret that successive governments failed to “nip the insurgency in the bud” during its early stages, noting that the crisis might have been averted if decisive action had been taken at the onset.

SCARS: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum” is structured as a 330-page memoir divided into 14 chapters across three distinct parts.

The sections explore: Nigeria’s historical context and the roots of its security challenges, the devastating impact of Boko Haram insurgency and Paradigm shifts necessary to restore peace amid ongoing security threats.