The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria has responded to media reports regarding the visa denials of senior Nigerian military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.

In a statement issued on Friday, the High Commission acknowledged awareness of the situation but refrained from providing details on individual visa applications, citing privacy policies.

Musa and some military officials were denied visas to attend an event in Canada honouring war veterans.

Speaking at the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday, Musa described the incident as a “wake-up call” for Nigeria, urging the country to strengthen its sovereignty.

“This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted,” he said.

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu reacted strongly to the situation, backing Musa’s stance and condemning Canada’s decision.

“Canada can go to hell,” Ribadu declared, labelling the visa denial as “disrespectful.”

In its response, the Canadian High Commission stated, according to Punch, “The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria is aware of media reports related to planned travel by senior officials. However, for privacy reasons, we are unable to comment on the status of visa applications of specific individuals.”