The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked reports suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, called on Nigerians to bear arms, describing such claims as a deliberate misrepresentation of his comments.
In a statement issued on Friday, 22 August 2025, by the Director Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ explained that General Musa, during a Channels Television interview on Thursday, only encouraged citizens to acquire basic survival and self-protection skills.
“These include widely accepted life skills such as taekwondo, judo, swimming, boxing and driving,” the statement noted.
The DHQ stressed that the CDS never advocated unlawful possession of firearms, adding that he is fully aware of Nigerian laws prohibiting the unauthorized carrying of weapons. His remarks, it explained, were aimed at promoting personal resilience, situational awareness, and lawful preparedness.
Reassuring Nigerians, the military highlighted ongoing successes recorded by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the fight against insecurity, saying the safety and well-being of citizens remain a top priority.
“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,” the DHQ emphasized.
The public was urged to rely on original sources and verified reports rather than circulating distorted or misleading interpretations of official statements.
