CDS Gen Musa Urges Nigerians to Learn Combat Skills for Self-Defence

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said Nigerians should consider lawful self-protection and survival skills, including unarmed combat, alongside skills such as driving and swimming.

In an interview reported by Channels Television, Musa said the National Youth Service Corps should help graduates develop security awareness and unarmed-combat skills. He described self-defence, swimming and driving as useful preparation for personal safety.

The Defence Headquarters later clarified that the remarks were not a call for Nigerians to carry arms or engage in unlawful possession of weapons. The clarification said the message concerned lawful preparedness, situational awareness and basic self-protection skills such as driving, swimming, taekwondo, judo and boxing, as reported by The Punch.

The distinction matters: the available reports support discussion of lawful, unarmed self-protection. They do not establish a new government policy requiring Nigerians or NYSC members to undertake combat training.

Sources: Channels Television; DHQ clarification reported by The Punch.