The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to learn combat skills as a means of self-protection in dangerous situations.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, General Musa emphasized that acquiring combat skills is as essential as learning to drive or swim — fundamental survival skills.
When asked if he would recommend Nigerians learn combat skills for self-defence, he replied,
“That should be viewed like learning to drive or swim. Whether there is war or not, it is a survival instinct. In Europe, swimming is compulsory. Learning about security and self-defence is equally vital because you need to understand what security means.”
General Musa also highlighted the role of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in this regard, suggesting it should train Nigerian graduates in unarmed combat for everyday protection against malicious threats.
“That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but unfortunately, it has been reduced to just three weeks. It’s important to provide every Nigerian with security awareness at all levels. Self-defence, unarmed combat, swimming, driving — these are critical life skills that prepare you for the future. The world today is dangerous, and there are people who harm others without reason.”
He further stressed that security is everyone’s responsibility and urged citizens to stay alert and aware of their surroundings to identify suspicious individuals.
