The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed reports suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, urged Nigerians to bear arms.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the comments made by the CDS during a television interview on Aug. 20 were misrepresented.
According to him, Musa only encouraged citizens to develop basic survival and self-protection skills, comparing them to everyday life skills such as driving, swimming, taekwondo, judo and boxing. He stressed that the CDS did not advocate unlawful possession of firearms, noting that he is fully aware of Nigerian laws prohibiting unauthorized carrying of weapons.
Gusau further assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, continued to record significant successes in tackling insecurity nationwide, reflecting government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring stability.
(NAN)