Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has slammed the Canadian embassy for denying visas to Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa and other top military officers.

Nuhu Ribadu was reacting to comments by the CDS, who narrated how he and other top military officers were supposed to be in Canada for an official assignment on Wednesday, but were denied visas.

Musa said, the denial is a clear reminder that the country must “stand on its own, stand strong as a nation and should no longer be taken for granted”. We were invited with our team. Half has gone and half has been denied. It’s very disappointing.

Ribadu also praised the CDS for providing “purposeful leadership” in the war against insecurity. He noted that all security agencies are collaborating across many parts of the country. He emphasised that despite the disappointment, Nigeria is "peaceful and strong" and must work hard to overcome such challenges.