The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has advised Nigerians to acquire basic combat skills as part of essential survival training.
Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme aired on Thursday, General Musa likened the need for combat skills to learning how to drive or swim, stressing that such knowledge is vital even in times of peace.
“Learning combat skills should be taken the same way as learning to drive or learning how to swim,” the Defence Chief said. “Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct. In Europe, swimming is compulsory; in the same way, learning and teaching about security is necessary because everyone needs to understand what security is.”
The CDS argued that security awareness and self-defence training could help citizens react better in emergencies, protect themselves, and support national security efforts.
General Musa’s comments come at a time of heightened insecurity challenges across the country, with many Nigerians grappling with threats from banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
He emphasized that while the armed forces remain committed to safeguarding the country, individuals also have a responsibility to equip themselves with basic skills that can enhance personal and community safety.
