As reactions continue to trail the Canada visa snub for the Chief of Defence Staff, the Defence Headquarters has urged Nigerians to disregard what it called ‘malicious allegations’ and to throw their weight behind the armed forces in a bid to promote national security and the welfare of servicemen and women in the country.

A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, made available to journalists on Monday, slammed those spreading false allegations regarding the Nigerian military’s request for visas to attend the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.

The statement admonished Nigerians to always seek and obtain adequate information regarding developments before rushing to media platforms, adding that the Defence Headquarters had earlier received an invitation to attend the Invictus Games with its team, which comprised three officers and 21 players, including the team’s physiotherapist.

The team’s housing and food needs, as well as those of other participating countries, were met by the Invictus Games Foundation, not the Nigerian government, as was misrepresented, according to Gusau.

However, only 14 team members—aside from the captain, physiotherapist, and team leader—were given visas despite our best efforts.

“Regrettably, seven of our athletes who had the potential to excel were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the games.

“Notwithstanding this setback, our team’s outstanding performance earned Nigeria gold, silver, and bronze medals, proudly placing our nation and Africa on the global map of the Invictus Games.

Additionally, the involvement of Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defense Staff, would have given our soldiers more mental toughness.

“It is on record that the Chief of Defence Staff has initiated laudable efforts to boost the morale of our service personnel, who risk their lives to protect our nation and its people.”