National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday, asked Canada to “go to hell” for denying top Nigerian military officers visas.

Irate Mr Ribadu claimed the visa rejection was “disrespectful” to Nigeria. 

Mr Ribadu’s outburst followed a statement by army chief Christopher Musa that he and other top military officers were denied visas by Canadian authorities.

He stated this at the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies (AANISS) annual lecture.

“Thank you for the courage to say Canada denied you visas. They can go to hell,” Mr Ribadu said.

The NSA, however, admitted Mr Musa and other military officials’ visa denial is a call to fix Nigeria.

“Even though it’s painful, it’s disrespectful, but we are peaceful and strong, and I agree with you that it is time to fix our country. Yet, this is another reason we work hard to make Nigeria work,” Mr Ribadu said.

Speaking at the event, Mr Musa revealed that he and other top military officials were denied Canadian visas to attend an event in honour of veterans injured in battles.

“Yesterday, I was meant to be in Canada,” Mr Musa said. “There’s an event to honour our veterans, those that were injured during battles, and we were meant to be there. We were invited with our team. Half has gone, and half has been denied.”