The Defence Headquarters has issued a clarification regarding comments made by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on the importance of Nigerians acquiring self-defence skills, after his earlier remarks drew mixed reactions.
In a statement conveyed through the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military emphasized that the CDS did not urge citizens to bear arms for their protection.
Rather, he encouraged Nigerians to take up universally accepted self-defence practices such as wrestling, judo, boxing, swimming, running, climbing, and safe driving as means of staying safe in daily life.
“The CDS is not asking Nigerians to confront bandits or terrorists with weapons,” Brig. Gen. Gusau clarified in an interview with the BBC monitored by our correspondent in Kaduna.
“He is simply encouraging people to acquire basic defensive skills. For instance, in cases of street attacks or phone snatching, those with such skills can resist intimidation without needing arms. Carrying arms without authority is illegal under Nigerian law, and anyone found doing so will face the law.”
According to the Defence spokesperson, self-defence training is considered a vital life skill across the world, and in some countries, it is even compulsory. He urged Nigerians to interpret General Musa’s advice within this context rather than as a push for vigilantism.
The clarification followed Musa’s earlier television appearance, where he urged citizens to cultivate resilience and preparedness as part of efforts to adapt to Nigeria’s rising insecurity.
Nigeria continues to face severe security challenges, particularly in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions, where violent groups have left thousands dead or displaced.
Although authorities insist on sustained military campaigns against the threats, the humanitarian toll remains high.
DHQ stressed that its response was necessary to dispel the “misinterpretation” of the CDS’s comments, which some had wrongly construed as a call for civilians to take up arms.
