Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher MusaMilitary urges citizens to embrace martial arts, fitness, and defensive skills instead of weapons
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has moved to clarify recent comments by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, stressing that he never urged Nigerians to bear arms for self-defence.
Speaking through the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the military explained that General Musa’s statement, which was widely circulated, had been misinterpreted. He said the CDS was only encouraging citizens to acquire basic self-defence and survival skills, such as karate, judo, wrestling, boxing, swimming, climbing, running, and even safe driving, rather than arming themselves against criminals.
“The CDS is not asking Nigerians to confront terrorists or bandits with weapons,” Brig. Gen. Gusau clarified in a BBC interview monitored in Kaduna. “Carrying arms without proper authority is illegal in Nigeria, and anyone caught will face the law. What the CDS is advocating is resilience and preparedness, so that people can handle everyday risks like phone snatching or street attacks without feeling helpless.”
The Defence spokesperson added that self-defence training is considered a vital life skill in many parts of the world, where such lessons are often compulsory. He urged Nigerians to interpret the CDS’s advice in that light and not as a call for vigilantism.
General Musa had made the initial remarks during a televised interview, where he emphasized the importance of resilience and self-preparedness amid Nigeria’s worsening security situation.
The country continues to grapple with escalating violence, particularly in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions. Armed groups have displaced thousands of families and claimed numerous lives, despite ongoing military operations and government assurances of improved security.
The Defence Headquarters said the clarification became necessary after some sections of the public interpreted General Musa’s advice as a directive for civilians to arm themselves—a notion the military strongly dismissed
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