The Defence Headquarters has clarified that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, urged Nigerians to learn self-defence skills—not to bear arms—amid worsening insecurity.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified comments by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, on citizens’ need for self-defence, following misinterpretations of his advice.
Speaking through the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military stressed that Musa never urged Nigerians to bear arms. Instead, he encouraged the adoption of self-defence techniques such as karate, boxing, judo, running, swimming, and even safe driving, as ways to handle everyday threats.
“The CDS is not asking Nigerians to confront bandits or terrorists with weapons,” Brig. Gen. Gusau told the BBC. “He is simply encouraging people to acquire basic defensive skills… Carrying arms without authority is illegal under Nigerian law.”
He added that in many countries, self-defence training is compulsory and viewed as an essential life skill.
The DHQ said the clarification became necessary to dispel fears that Musa’s advice amounted to a call for vigilantism.