General Lucky Eluonye Onyenuchea Irabor is a high-ranking Nigerian Army officer who has served as the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria since January 2021. Born on October 5, 1965, in Ika South, Delta State, Nigeria, Irabor has had a distinguished military career spanning over three decades. He attended the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1986.

General Irabor is known for his leadership roles in various operations aimed at countering insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria, particularly against Boko Haram in the northeastern part of the country. Before he was appointed Chief of Defence Staff, he held numerous key positions, including the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, which was the Nigerian military’s primary operation against Boko Haram, and the Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force, coordinating efforts with neighbouring countries in the fight against terrorism.

Recognized for his strategic approach and commitment to enhancing national security, Irabor has focused on fostering cooperation across the Nigerian Armed Forces and improving operational capabilities. His leadership is seen as pivotal in Nigeria’s efforts to address security challenges through collaboration, modernization of the armed forces, and bolstering inter-agency cooperation.