Who Is Lieutenant-General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika and Why Nigerians Are Celebrating Him?

By Don Tejiri On Jun 18, 2025

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Lieutenant-General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika, a name now resounding across Nigeria’s public and political spaces, has resurfaced in national discourse—not for new controversies or political maneuvers, but because of history’s judgment on his pivotal role in Nigeria’s war against terrorism.

Today, Nigerians from all walks of life are celebrating the former Chief of Army Staff for his uncompromising efforts in tackling Boko Haram during his tenure. As new security challenges persist, many citizens, historians, and security experts are revisiting Ihejirika’s legacy with a tone of vindication.

TJ News Nigeria reports that the resurgent praise for Ihejirika reflects a broader national yearning for security leadership with results, irrespective of regional or ethnic sentiment.

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Lieutenant-General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika biography

Name	Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika
Ethnicity	Igbo
Religion	Christianity
Region	South-East Nigeria
State	Abia State
Marital Status	Married
Age (as of 2025)	69 years (Born: February 13, 1956)
Net Worth	Over $5 million
Profession	Retired Military General, Engineer, Public Figure

A retired Nigerian Army Lieutenant General, Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika is a seasoned military officer who held the nation’s highest army command. His career is marked by significant academic and field accomplishments, culminating in his leadership of the Nigerian Army during a critical period of national security challenges

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General Ihejirika date of birth and state of origin

Born on February 13, 1956, in Isuikwuato, Abia State, Nigeria

Ihejirika Chief of Army Staff appointment date

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He was Appointed as Chief of Army Staff on September 8, 2010, by President Goodluck Jonathan; served until January 2014

Azubuike Ihejirika early life and education

Completed secondary education at Williams Memorial High School in Afugiri, earning distinctions in the West African Senior School Certificate in 1975.

Attended the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), 18th Regular Combatant Course; commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Army Engineers on December 17, 1977

Holds a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; alumnus of Command and Staff College, Jaji, and National War College

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Who is Lieutenant-General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika?

Born in Abia State, Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika is a retired officer of the Nigerian Army.

He was appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on September 8, 2010, by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, serving until January 2014.

A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, he also trained at international institutions, including in the United States and India, further solidifying his reputation as a well-rounded professional soldier.

Prior to becoming Army Chief, he held numerous command and staff appointments within the Nigerian military, earning him respect as a disciplined officer committed to the Nigerian project.

Ihejirika military career path

Azubuike Ihejirika began his distinguished military career as a member of the 18th Regular Combatant Course at the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant into the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers on December 17, 1977.

Throughout his career, he held several key command and staff appointments, demonstrating his strategic and leadership capabilities. Notable among these roles were:

Commander, 41 Division Engineers
Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division
General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division in Lagos

He also served as a Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and held Principal Staff Officer positions at both the Defence and Army Headquarters.

Ihejirika’s Tenure: How He Confronted Boko Haram

When Ihejirika assumed the leadership of the Nigerian Army, Boko Haram was already evolving from a sectarian extremist group into a dangerous insurgency, predominantly in the North-East geopolitical zone.

Unlike his predecessors, Ihejirika prioritized aggressive military action against the insurgents. He quickly implemented new strategies:

Deployment of Special Task Forces (STFs) to hot zones
Establishment of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army specifically to focus on the insurgency in Borno State
Acquisition of modern warfare equipment despite limited federal allocations
Introduction of civil-military relations programs to win hearts and minds in affected communities

During his leadership, the Nigerian Army pounded Boko Haram strongholds with relentless offensives that prevented the fall of any Nigerian town to the terrorists.

His determination sent strong signals to the insurgents that the military would no longer be reactive but take the fight to their camps deep in the Sambisa Forest and surrounding areas.

Allegations of Ethnic Cleansing and His Removal

However, Ihejirika’s strategy was not without controversy. By late 2013, influential Northern politicians and traditional leaders, operating under the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and other northern platforms, began accusing him of overseeing “ethnic cleansing” in the North-East.

These accusations escalated to formal complaints against his leadership style. There were even calls for his investigation at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged human rights violations.

Caught in the political crossfire, and amid mounting pressure, President Goodluck Jonathan relieved Ihejirika of his post in January 2014. This decision marked a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, as subsequent leaderships failed to sustain the momentum.

TJ News Nigeria gathered that Ihejirika’s removal was viewed by many security experts as a tactical error that gave Boko Haram the breathing space to regroup and launch massive offensives shortly after his exit.

The Fallout: What Happened After Ihejirika’s Removal

Within months of Ihejirika’s departure, Boko Haram executed some of its most audacious attacks:

The capture of Gwoza in Borno State in August 2014, which the group declared as the capital of its so-called caliphate.
Escalating bombings in Abuja, including the Nyanya bus station bombing that killed scores of Nigerians.
Massacres in communities across Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States.

These tragic events led many Nigerians to re-evaluate Ihejirika’s contributions. Had his military offensives continued without political interference, could Nigeria have prevented Boko Haram from expanding its territorial reach?

The question remains unanswered, but the national sentiment increasingly suggests that Ihejirika’s strategy was working before politics got in the way.

Why Nigerians Are Celebrating Him Now

The renewed public appreciation for Ihejirika’s efforts stems from several factors:

1. Historical Vindication

As Nigeria marks over a decade of persistent insecurity, the effectiveness of Ihejirika’s military approach is standing out in retrospect. Analysts argue that Nigeria had the opportunity to crush Boko Haram before it morphed into a regional menace.

2. Patriotism Above Politics

Ihejirika is being celebrated for prioritizing national security above ethnic or regional sentiment. His commitment to protecting all Nigerians—regardless of region—contrasts with how ethnic politics often undermines military professionalism in Nigeria.

3. Results-Oriented Leadership

While subsequent army chiefs had mixed results, Ihejirika’s era is marked by visible, on-the-ground military successes. His tenure is now used as a benchmark by security experts assessing Nigeria’s counterterrorism history.

4. Exposing Political Interference in Security Matters

Ihejirika’s removal is widely viewed as an example of how political interference undermines military operations in Nigeria. Many believe that sustained professional military campaigns devoid of external influence could have turned the tide against terrorism much earlier.

Legacy and Impact on the Nigerian Army

Ihejirika’s tenure also introduced reforms within the army that shaped future military conduct:

Modernization of Army formations
Creation of new commands for better regional control
Emphasis on intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation
Training initiatives for younger officers on counter-insurgency operations

Institutional Reforms

Founded the Nigerian Army Language Institute (NALI) in Ovim, Abia State, to promote language training for regional cooperation and international missions.

Integrated language accomplishment into promotion criteria for junior officers to enhance communication and strategic reach

Though he may no longer wear the uniform, Ihejirika’s impact continues to influence the Nigerian Army today.

Political Prospects and Public Support

Interestingly, discussions have also surfaced about whether Ihejirika might enter active politics. Though he has kept a relatively low profile post-retirement, TJ News Nigeria learnt that political stakeholders from the South-East region have occasionally floated his name for potential governorship or senatorial ambitions.

While no official declarations have been made, public admiration for his legacy is growing, suggesting that he would enjoy substantial grassroots support if he decides to pursue public office.

The Lasting Lessons from Ihejirika’s Tenure

Ihejirika’s story offers vital lessons for Nigeria:

Professionalism must not be sacrificed on the altar of politics.
Security leadership should be shielded from regional biases and political manipulation.
Nigeria’s war against terrorism requires unity of purpose, decisive leadership, and unwavering commitment.

As insecurity continues to plague parts of Nigeria, Ihejirika’s vindication serves as both a critique of past mistakes and a call for future leaders to prioritize national interest above sectional sentiments.

Lieutenant-General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika Net Worth

Estimated $5 million – $10 million (as of 2025) [Not officially disclosed; estimate based on public records, military pensions, business interests, and appearances]

Conclusion

Lieutenant-General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika’s reputation has come full circle. Once vilified by regional interests, he is now being celebrated as a national hero who gave everything to keep Nigeria united and secure.

His tenure reminds Nigerians of what could have been—a Nigeria where security is handled professionally, and politics takes a backseat to the lives and safety of ordinary citizens.

As more Nigerians revisit this chapter in their national story, the name Lieutenant-General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika, continues to echo as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and unwavering commitment to duty.

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