In a surprising turn of events, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, along with several top military officials, has been denied visas by the Canadian Embassy.

The delegation was invited to Canada for an event honoring war veterans—an occasion meant to symbolize international unity and respect for military service. However, the visa rejection has ignited diplomatic tensions, with Nigerian officials calling it a disrespectful move by Canada.

General Musa disclosed the situation during a security event in Abuja, revealing that while half of his delegation was granted visas and had already traveled, the other half, including himself, was denied entry. This selective approval has raised serious concerns about Canada’s visa policies and the criteria used in making such decisions.

Reports suggest that the denial may have stemmed from a procedural oversight. Sources indicate that the visa applications were submitted without a crucial Note Verbale from Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs—an official diplomatic document that verifies the legitimacy of government travel.

This missing document could have been the reason behind the rejection, turning what should have been a routine process into a diplomatic flashpoint.

The incident has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning whether this was a mere bureaucratic mishap or a deeper diplomatic issue. As tensions rise, all eyes are now on how both nations will navigate this controversy.