The Defence Headquarters has called on Nigerians to dismiss “malicious allegations” surrounding the denial of visas to members of the Nigerian military team for the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, issued a statement on Monday, urging the public to support the Nigerian Armed Forces in their efforts to enhance national security and promote the welfare of servicemen and women.
Gusau categorically denied the accusations circulating about the military’s visa request process, describing them as unfounded and damaging to the reputation of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Visa Controversy
The controversy arose when several members of the Nigerian team were denied visas to participate in the prestigious Invictus Games in Vancouver. The team, which consisted of three officers and 21 athletes, was invited to compete in the international event known for showcasing the resilience of wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women.
According to Gusau, the team’s participation was fully supported by the Invictus Games Foundation, which provided accommodation and feeding for all delegations, including Nigeria’s.
However, despite thorough preparations and a formal invitation, only 14 members of the team were granted visas, while seven athletes, as well as the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, were denied entry to Canada.
Gusau expressed his disappointment over the situation, saying, “Regrettably, seven of our athletes who had the potential to excel were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the games.”
Accusations and the Military’s Defense
Rumors and allegations began circulating after the visa denials, with some sources questioning the integrity of the Nigerian military’s application process. Some even suggested that the denials were linked to concerns about potential desertion or irregularities in the team’s documentation.
However, the Defence Headquarters swiftly countered these claims, emphasizing the professionalism and integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Gusau urged Nigerians to disregard the “malicious allegations” and instead focus on supporting the nation’s military personnel, particularly those who have sustained injuries while defending the country.
“The need for accurate information at this time cannot be overemphasized,” Gusau stated, urging the public to avoid spreading misinformation that could demoralize the troops.
A Triumphant Performance Amidst Setbacks
Despite the setback of incomplete participation, the Nigerian team achieved remarkable success at the Invictus Games. They secured gold, silver, and bronze medals, proudly placing Nigeria on the global map and bringing honor to Africa.
Gusau praised the team’s resilience and dedication, stating, “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.”
He also highlighted the importance of the Invictus Games in providing a platform for injured military personnel to rebuild their confidence and foster a spirit of camaraderie.
Morale Boost and Mental Health Initiatives
The Defence Headquarters further explained that the participation of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the games would have significantly boosted the morale of the Nigerian troops.
Gusau noted that General Musa has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerian military personnel, particularly those who have been wounded in the line of duty.
He revealed that one such initiative is the construction of the Invictus Foundation Centre in Nigeria, the first of its kind in Africa. The center is designed to provide care and mental healing for wounded personnel, ensuring they receive the necessary support to reintegrate into society.
“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,” Gusau explained.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Concerns
The visa denials have sparked diplomatic conversations, as observers question the rationale behind Canada’s decision to deny entry to nearly half of the Nigerian team.
Some analysts suggest that heightened immigration scrutiny and security concerns may have contributed to the visa refusals, a trend that has affected participants from other countries in previous editions of the Invictus Games.
However, the Defence Headquarters maintained that all necessary documentation and requirements were fulfilled during the application process, and no irregularities were found in the applications submitted by the Nigerian team members.
A Call for Public Support and Accurate Information
In his concluding remarks, Brigadier General Gusau urged Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the armed forces and avoid falling victim to misinformation.
He called on the public to support military personnel who continue to risk their lives to protect the nation, emphasizing the need for accurate and responsible reporting on sensitive national security matters.
“Nigerians must stand united and support the efforts of the armed forces to enhance national security and promote the welfare of our servicemen and women,” Gusau emphasized.
