The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday clarified that the statement made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General CG Musa, during a television interview on “Self-Defence Skills” was aimed at encouraging Nigerians to cultivate basic self-protection and survival skills — not to bear arms, as has been misinterpreted in some quarters.
In a statement made available to defence correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ described such claims as a deliberate misrepresentation of the CDS’s recent comments.
It noted with concern deliberate attempts to misrepresent the CDS’s comments and insisted that, in the interview, the CDS only encouraged Nigerians to develop basic survival and self-protection skills — likening such training to widely accepted life skills such as driving, taekwondo, judo, swimming and boxing, amongst others.
According to the statement: “For the avoidance of doubt, the CDS did not call for citizens to bear arms or to engage in unlawful possession of firearms.
“He is fully aware of Nigerian laws prohibiting the unauthorised carrying of weapons. His message was intended to promote personal resilience, situational awareness and lawful preparedness — not to encourage illegal activity.”
The DHQ further emphasised that “the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies continue to record significant successes in the fight against insecurity nationwide.
“These gains reflect the government’s sustained commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining peace and stability. Nigerians are assured that their safety remains a top priority and that security efforts are ongoing.
“Promoting security awareness at all levels is important. Basic skills such as unarmed self-defence, swimming and driving are valuable life skills that enhance individual preparedness and contribute to national security.
“We therefore urge the public to consult original sources and verified reports when interpreting public statements, and to avoid sharing distorted or misleading accounts.”
It stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained committed to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians.
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