Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has criticized the Canadian government for denying visas to the country’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and other high-ranking military officials.
Speaking on Thursday at the first annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, Nuhu Ribadu called the decision “disrespectful” and bluntly stated that Canada “can go to hell.”
His remarks followed a revelation by General Christopher Musa, who shared his experience of being denied entry into Canada alongside several senior military officers.
According to Musa, the delegation had been invited to an event recognizing war veterans, but the visa denial disrupted their plans.
“Every disappointment is a blessing. Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada for an event to honour our veterans—those injured in battle. We were invited along with our team, but while half of us got visas, the other half was denied. It’s very disappointing,” Musa said
The CDS described the situation as a moment of reflection, urging Nigeria to become more self-reliant.
“This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted,” he added.
In his response, Ribadu commended the Defence Chief for addressing the issue publicly and emphasized the need for Nigeria to focus on its own strength rather than seeking approval from foreign nations.
“Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” Ribadu declared. “Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful, we are strong, and I agree with you—it is time to fix our country. This is yet another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work.
Nuhu Ribadu also praised Musa’s leadership in the country’s ongoing fight against insecurity, highlighting the collaboration among security agencies.
KanyiDaily recalls that Nuhu Ribadu recently linked the current financial hardship in the country to the bankruptcy inherited by the former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
