The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, called on citizens to bear arms, insisting his remarks were grossly misrepresented.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, called on citizens to bear arms, insisting his remarks were grossly misrepresented.
In a Channels Television interview on August 20, General Musa had encouraged Nigerians to develop “basic survival and self-protection skills” such as swimming, judo, taekwondo, and boxing. The CDS explained that these life skills, like learning to drive, were meant to build resilience and awareness, not to promote unlawful possession of firearms.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I did not at any point call on Nigerians to carry weapons. I am fully aware of the laws that prohibit unauthorized possession of firearms,” the CDS clarified. “My message was about self-discipline, personal preparedness, and lawful skills that enhance survival in today’s world.”
The Defence Headquarters, in a statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information, stressed that the Armed Forces remained focused on tackling insecurity nationwide. “Our troops, alongside other security agencies, continue to record significant gains across the country. The safety of Nigerians remains our top priority,” the statement read.
The DHQ urged the public to avoid spreading distorted interpretations of the CDS’s comments. “We encourage Nigerians to rely on verified information and original sources rather than misinformation,” Gusau said.
Observers note that the clarification comes at a sensitive time when debates around self-defence and community security are growing nationwide.
CDS Clarifies Self-Protection Remark, Says ‘I Did Not Call for Nigerians to Bear Arms’
