The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has moved to clarify remarks made by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, after sections of the public misinterpreted his call for Nigerians to acquire basic survival skills as a suggestion that citizens should take up arms.
In a statement issued on Friday by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the military leadership described reports claiming that the CDS urged Nigerians to bear arms as “deliberate misrepresentation.”
General Musa, while speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Thursday, 20 August 2025, had encouraged Nigerians to learn survival and self-protection skills.
He likened such training to essential life skills such as driving, swimming, boxing, taekwondo and judo.
“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 unauthorized carrying of weapons.
“His message was intended to promote personal resilience, situational awareness and lawful preparedness, not to encourage illegal activity”, the DHQ stated.
The military further stressed that the Nigerian Armed Forces, alongside other security agencies, continue to make “significant gains” in combating insecurity across the country.
According to the DHQ, these successes demonstrate government’s sustained commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring national stability.
Reiterating that promoting security awareness is a shared responsibility, the statement noted that unarmed self-defence and other survival skills remain valuable tools for citizens.
“Basic skills such as swimming, driving and martial arts training enhance individual preparedness and contribute to overall national security,” it added.
The DHQ also appealed to Nigerians to rely on verified reports and official sources when interpreting public statements, warning against the spread of distorted or misleading information.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians,” Brigadier General Gusau affirmed.