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CDS Musa Didn’t Ask Nigerians To Bear Arms Illegally – DHQ Clarifies.
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Musa only advised survival and self-protection skills for resilience.
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Armed Forces reaffirm commitment to protecting citizens nationwide.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, called on Nigerians to bear arms or engage in unlawful possession of firearms during a recent television interview.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement issued on Friday, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said there were deliberate attempts to distort and misrepresent General Musa’s remarks during his appearance on Channels Television on Thursday, 20 August 2025.
According to Gusau, the CDS only encouraged Nigerians to develop basic survival and self-protection skills to promote resilience, situational awareness, and lawful preparedness. He noted that Musa compared such skills to everyday life training such as driving, swimming, taekwondo, judo, and boxing.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the CDS did not call for citizens to bear arms or engage in unlawful possession of firearms,” the statement read. “He is fully aware of Nigerian laws prohibiting unauthorized carrying of weapons. His message was intended to promote personal resilience and preparedness, not to encourage illegal activity.”
The Defence Headquarters reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the country. It said security agencies continue to record successes in the fight against insecurity and assured citizens that protecting their safety remains a top priority.
The DHQ also urged Nigerians to rely on original sources and verified reports when interpreting public statements to avoid spreading misleading accounts. It emphasized that promoting security awareness, including unarmed self-defence and other essential life skills, is crucial in strengthening national security.
