NSA Ribadu Slams Canada Over Visa Denial to Defence Chief, Says ‘They Can Go to Hell’

National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has condemned the Canadian government for denying visas to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and other top military officials. The officers were scheduled to attend a veterans' event in Canada but faced visa rejections that sparked strong reactions from Nigerian authorities.

Speaking at the inaugural annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) in Abuja on Thursday, Ribadu described the decision as both disrespectful and unacceptable. General Musa, also addressing the audience, expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that Nigeria must assert its strength on the global stage.

Musa explained that his team had been invited to honor wounded war veterans, but while some were granted visas, others were denied without clear justification. “Every disappointment is a blessing. It’s a reminder that our country must stand strong and not be taken for granted,” he stated.

Ribadu, in his remarks, went further, bluntly declaring: “They can go to hell. Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are strong and peaceful. This is another reason we must work harder to fix our country.” He praised Musa’s leadership in addressing security challenges and stressed the need for self-reliance in national affairs.

The visa denial has raised diplomatic concerns, with questions about Canada’s stance toward Nigerian military officials. While the reasons behind the rejection remain unclear, the incident has underscored ongoing bureaucratic and political challenges faced by Nigerian officials in international engagements.