The Defence Headquarters has given more details on the circumstances that led to denial of visa to the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS Christopher Musa by the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria.

The Defence Headquarters said this while dispelling what it described as “malicious allegations” on the visa denial issue.

The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Monday, faulted speculations on the social media on why the CDS and other
military officers were denied visas to attend the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.


Explaining what really happened, Gusau said the Nigerian military was invited to participate in the Invictus Games with its team, that comprised of three officers and 21 players, including the team’s physiotherapist.

According to him, organisers of the Invictus Games Foundation are to cater for the team’s accommodation and feeding needs, along with those of other participating nations.

He said, “However, in spite of our best efforts, only 14 members of the team, excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, were granted visas.

“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 Invictus Games.

“Furthermore, the participation of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, would have added mental strength to our troops.

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

“The Invictus Foundation Centre, which is the first in Africa and currently under construction, is part of this initiative to provide care and mental healing for our wounded personnel.”
He urged Nigerians to support the officers, men and women who sustained various degree of injuries while protecting the nation.

According to him, the need for accurate information at this time can not be overemphasised.


https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/02/17/dhq-opens-up-on-cds-musas-canadian-visa-denial-controversies/