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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, called on Nigerians to bear arms, stressing that his comments during a recent television interview were grossly misrepresented.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the DHQ clarified that the CDS, while appearing on Channels Television on August 20, 2025, only encouraged Nigerians to cultivate basic survival and self-protection skills.
According to the statement, General Musa had drawn parallels between such skills and everyday life training such as driving, swimming, judo, taekwondo, and boxing—emphasizing that resilience, situational awareness, and lawful preparedness were crucial for citizens.
“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,” the DHQ explained.
It further stressed that the Nigerian Armed Forces, alongside other security agencies, continue to make significant strides in combating insecurity nationwide, with government support ensuring steady progress toward peace and stability.
The DHQ noted that personal security awareness remained vital, underscoring that self-defence training and survival skills enhance individual preparedness while complementing national security efforts.
“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 statement cautioned.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, insisting that the fight against insecurity remains on track and that citizens’ protection remains its top priority.
