- DHQ said Musa only advised Nigerians to acquire life-saving self-defence skills, not to engage in armed confrontation.
- Brigadier General Gusau stressed carrying arms without authorisation remains illegal and attracts strict punishment under Nigerian law.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified comments made by the chief of defence staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on the need for Nigerians to learn self-defence skills.
The clarification followed mixed interpretations of Musa’s remarks, which some citizens took to mean a call for people to bear arms.
Speaking on behalf of the military, the director of defence information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the CDS never urged Nigerians to carry weapons.
He explained that Musa only encouraged citizens to acquire globally recognised self-defence techniques such as wrestling, boxing, judo, swimming, running, climbing, and safe driving.
“The CDS is not asking Nigerians to confront bandits or terrorists with weapons,” Gusau said in an interview with the BBC monitored 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.”
Gusau added that in many countries self-defence training is considered compulsory and regarded as an essential life skill.
He urged Nigerians to see the advice of the CDS in that light rather than interpreting it as a call to vigilantism.
General Musa made the comments during a television interview where he stressed the importance of resilience and preparedness in tackling daily risks.
Nigeria continues to face worsening insecurity, particularly in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions where armed groups have killed and displaced thousands.
Despite government assurances of ongoing military operations, the security crisis persists with civilians bearing the brunt of casualties.
The Defence Headquarters said the clarification became necessary to dispel what it described as “misinterpretation” of the CDS’s statement.