The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified recent comments by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on the need for Nigerians to acquire self-defence skills, following public misinterpretations of his remarks.
In a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, stressed that the CDS did not urge citizens to bear arms for self-protection. Instead, he encouraged Nigerians to embrace globally recognised self-defence practices such as wrestling, judo, boxing, running, swimming, climbing, and safe driving as means of safeguarding themselves in everyday situations.
“The CDS is not asking Nigerians to confront bandits or terrorists with weapons,” Gusau told the BBC in an interview monitored in Kaduna. “He is simply encouraging people to acquire basic defensive skills. For instance, in cases of street attacks or phone snatching, such skills can help people resist intimidation without resorting to arms. Carrying weapons without legal authority remains prohibited and punishable under Nigerian law.”
Gusau explained that in many countries, self-defence training is considered a vital life skill and, in some cases, mandatory. He urged Nigerians to view General Musa’s advice in that context rather than as a call for vigilantism.
General Musa had made the comments during a recent television interview, stressing the importance of resilience and preparedness amid the country’s worsening insecurity, particularly in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions.
The DHQ said the clarification was necessary to address misinterpretations suggesting that the CDS had asked civilians to arm themselves.
Source: www.vanguardngr.com
