The Defence Headquarters has asked Nigerians to ignore false claims surrounding the recent Canada visa denial for the Chief of Defence Staff and some military athletes.

The agency emphasized that the public should always verify information before spreading unverified news.

Nigeria’s military team was invited to participate in the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada. The team included three officers, 21 athletes, and a physiotherapist.

The Invictus Games Foundation covered accommodation and meals for all participants, not the Nigerian government, as some reports suggested.

However, only 14 members of the team were granted visas. The team leader, captain, and physiotherapist were denied, along with seven athletes who had the potential to perform well.

Although the visa denial was a setback, Nigeria still made history at the event. The country’s athletes won gold, silver, and bronze medals, making Nigeria and Africa proud on the global stage.

The Defence Headquarters stated that if the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had attended, it would have boosted the morale of Nigerian troops. The agency praised his efforts in supporting service personnel who put their lives at risk for the country’s security.

The Defence Headquarters urged Nigerians to focus on supporting the military rather than spreading misleading information.