The Transcorp Hilton in Abuja was filled with dignitaries, political figures, military officers, and religious leaders earlier this week as they gathered to celebrate former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), during the unveiling of his new book titled Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum.

The 330-page memoir, divided into 14 chapters across three parts, provides a deeply personal and professional narrative of Nigeria’s battle against Boko Haram. It captures the destruction caused by insurgency, the resilience of the armed forces, and key lessons that should guide the nation’s future.

The event, chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, attracted a distinguished audience that included former President Goodluck Jonathan, past and serving service chiefs, governors, legislators, clerics, and representatives of civil society.

Addressing the gathering, Irabor explained that the purpose of the book was not to cast blame but to inspire reflection and national dialogue.
He said, “This book is not an indictment; it is a national soul-searching presentation. It calls for awakening — to either act responsibly for progress or risk decline.”

He further described the memoir as a collection of “painful truths” intended to encourage honest national conversations.
“The account in this book reflects the realities as I have experienced them. My hope is that it will inspire discussions focused on finding lasting solutions to our collective challenges,” he stated.

Irabor also revealed that all proceeds from the publication would be directed toward supporting wounded veterans, schools, hospitals, and families of fallen soldiers.

In his remarks, Obasanjo described the Boko Haram insurgency as a deeply rooted menace that Nigeria must urgently confront.
“The insurgency has sadly become a part of our daily life — a dangerous reality that demands decisive action,” he said.

Former President Jonathan also reflected on his administration’s experiences in tackling the crisis, recalling its complexity.
“At one point during my tenure, Boko Haram named then-General Muhammadu Buhari as their preferred negotiator. That moment underscored the layered and complicated nature of the situation, and the difficult paths we had to navigate,” he recounted.