f Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged Nigerians to acquire basic combat and self-defence skills as part of survival strategies in the face of rising security challenges.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Musa likened learning martial arts such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to essential life skills like swimming and driving.

“Learning combat skills should be seen as a survival instinct, like swimming or driving,” he said, stressing that such knowledge remains useful whether or not the nation is at war.

The defence chief noted that in many countries, survival skills are compulsory. He cited Europe, where swimming is mandatory, adding that Nigerians should also prioritise security education and awareness.

Musa further suggested that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) incorporate unarmed combat and self-defence into its programme, arguing that the current three-week orientation camp period should be used to build graduates’ resilience and survival abilities.

“The NYSC should focus on training youths in self-defence,” he said, lamenting that the scheme’s current structure underutilises its potential.

He emphasised the importance of situational awareness, driving, swimming, and self-defence in today’s “dangerous world,” where threats from individuals with malicious intent are increasingly common.

“We must give every Nigerian security awareness at whatever level. Self-defence, unarmed combat, swimming, and driving are critical. The world we live in now is dangerous. We have individuals who don’t mean people well, and they kill for whatever reason,” Musa warned.

The CDS therefore urged citizens to take personal responsibility for their safety by staying vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities in their communities.

CDS Urges Nigerians to Learn Combat Skills for Self-Protection

Comments (0)