Defence Chief Explains Why Every Nigerian Should Acquire Combat Skills

Defence Chief Explains Why Every Nigerian Should Acquire Combat Skills

  • The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has mentioned several skills Nigerians must learn in the rising face of Nigeria's insecurity for self-protection
  • The Defence Chief states reasons why unarmed combat training should be part of the National Youth Service Corps curriculum for Nigerian graduates to equip them for survival against criminal threats
  • General Musa highlights that security is a shared responsibility, urging Nigerians to stay alert and mindful of their environment to detect suspicious individuals

General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has encouraged Nigerians to learn combat skills for self-protection amid rising insecurity.

Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa emphasises the importance of Nigerians learning combat skills for self-defence.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has encouraged Nigerians to learn combat skills for self-protection amid rising insecurity. Photo credit: Defence HQ
Source: Facebook

Musa made the statement during his appearance on Channels Television's Politics Today on Thursday, August 21, comparing learning martial arts like Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to vital survival skills, including swimming and driving.

Why Nigerians must learn self-defence skills

When questioned if he would recommend that Nigerians learn combat skills for self-defence purposes:

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The defence chief said, "That one should be taken as learning to drive, learning how to swim. Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct.
“In Europe, swimming is compulsory. Learning and teaching about security is compulsory because you have to learn what security is.”

He emphasised the importance of unarmed combat training should be part of the National Youth Service Corps curriculum for Nigerian graduates, to better equip them for survival in the face of criminal threats.

“That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but the NYSC has been watered down to three weeks.
“Self-defence is very important. Unarmed combat. Swimming. Driving. These are critical aspects for human endeavours.
“These are things we should never take for granted because they prepare you for the future. The world we are in now is dangerous. We have individuals who don’t mean people well. They kill for whatever reason.” Musa concluded

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General Musa also highlighted that security is a shared responsibility, encouraging Nigerians to stay alert and be mindful of their environment to detect unusual or suspicious people.

Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa emphasises the importance of Nigerians learning combat skills for self-defence.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, has encouraged Nigerians to learn combat skills for self-protection amid rising insecurity. Photo credit: Defence HQ
Source: Facebook

Bandits abduct 7 residents in Kwara

Legit.ng previously reported that fear grips communities in Kwara North as terrorists unleash fresh assaults, killing and abducting residents despite the recent arrest of their notorious leader, Mahmud Mohammed Usman, popularly known as Abu Baraa, and his deputy, Mallam Mamuda.

Legit.ng gathered that the fresh attack happened on Saturday and Sunday, August 17 and 18, as residents in Patigi and Ifelodun Local Government Area narrated how the bandits killed and abducted community members.

The Nigerian Government announced the capture of the terrorist kingpins, raising hopes among residents of Kwara and Niger States that the wave of violent attacks would subside.

Terrorist attack Kwara residents during Jum'ah prayer

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Legit.ng also reported how bandits killed at least five people, including a police officer, in Babanla community of the Ifelodun local government area of Kwara state on Friday, August 8, when they invaded the community during the Muslim Jumua’h prayer.

According to community sources who spoke to Legit.ng, the attackers, numbering up to 200, stormed the town without warning as residents prepared for the Friday congregational prayers.

One community member, identified as Muftau, told Legit.ng that the bandits met stiff resistance from local vigilantes, police officers, and soldiers, but the firepower of the attackers left residents terrified.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan avatar

Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan (Editorial Assistant) Abdul-Hafeez Fadehan is a Legit.ng journalist with over a year of experience writing for Punch Newspaper. He received his BSc in Criminology and Security Studies from FUOYE. His background in media communications and criminology, with practical experience in research, interviewing, and digital media, allows him to craft compelling narratives that drive positive change. Fadehan is an Editorial Assistant on Politics/CA Desk at Legit.ng. He is committed to ethical journalism, leveraging his skills to create a meaningful impact. Reach him at abdul-hafeez.fadehan@corp.legit.ng or 070622666732.