The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has dismissed reports suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, called on Nigerians to bear arms.
Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Friday in Abuja, said the comments of the CDS during a television interview on Aug. 20 had been misrepresented.
He explained that Gen. Musa only encouraged citizens to develop basic survival and self-protection skills, likening such training to everyday life skills such as driving, swimming, taekwondo, judo and boxing.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the CDS did not call for unlawful possession of firearms. He is fully aware of Nigerian laws prohibiting unauthorized carrying of weapons.
“His remarks were aimed at promoting resilience, situational awareness and lawful preparedness,” he said.
Gusau further assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces, working with other security agencies, continued to record significant successes in the fight against insecurity across the country.
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According to him, the gains reflect the government’s sustained commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring peace and stability nationwide.
Meanwhile, the DHQ says military operations nationwide have continued to secure farmlands and allow farmers to carry out activities unhindered.
Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, Director, Defence Media Operations, said this on Friday in Abuja in the weekly update on military operations for the week ending Aug. 22.
Kangye said troops, working with security agencies and hybrid forces, intensified ground and air operations against terrorists, insurgents, bandits and oil thieves.
He said the operational tempo had led to the elimination of terrorists, arrest of collaborators, rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of arms and ammunition.
“The intensity of our operations has also afforded our farmers to carry out farming activities unhindered.
“This effort will be sustained throughout the farming season and beyond,” he said.
In the Northeast, Kangye said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, arrested nine suspects and rescued kidnapped victims in Borno and Yobe States between Aug. 14 and 21.
He said troops also recovered several caches of rifles, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles and N191,700 cash.
In the Northwest, Kangye said the troops of Operation Fasan Yamma killed terrorists and rescued 60 kidnapped victims in Zamfara, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna and Niger States.
NAN
