The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has stated that there are some deliberate attempts to distort and misrepresent the words of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, during a Channels Television interview on Thursday evening, 20 August 2025.
According to a statement on Friday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the CDS never called for Nigerians to bear arms or to engage in unlawful possession of firearms during the interview.
Naijaonpoint reports that Gusau submitted that what General Musa advocated was for Nigerians to develop basic survival and self-protection skills in order to promote personal resilience, situational awareness and lawful preparedness.
The DHQ emphasized that Musa never at any time during the interview promoted illegal arms bearing, as he fully understands the position of the law on such.
It assured the readiness and commitment of the Armed Forces to the security of lives and property in the country.
The full statement reads: “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has noted with concern deliberate attempts to misrepresent comments by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, during a Channels Television interview on Thursday evening 20 August 2025.
“In that interview, the CDS encouraged Nigerians to develop basic survival and self‑protection skills—likening such training to widely accepted life skills such as driving, taekwando, judo and swimming, boxing amongst others.
“For the avoidance of doubt, 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 the unauthorized carrying of weapons. His message was intended to promote personal resilience, situational awareness and lawful preparedness—not to encourage illegal activity.
“The DHQ further emphasizes that the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies continue to record significant successes in the fight against insecurity nationwide. These gains reflect the government’s sustained commitment to protecting citizens and maintaining peace and stability. Nigerians are assured that their safety remains a top priority and that security efforts are ongoing.
“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. We therefore urge the public to consult original sources and verified reports when interpreting public statements, and to avoid sharing distorted or misleading accounts.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and well‑being of all Nigerians.”
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