The Defense Headquarters has called on Nigerians to ignore “the malicious allegations” and back the military’s initiatives to improve national security and advance the well-being of its men and women in uniform.
The Director of Defense Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Monday, faulted the allegations regarding the Nigerian Military’s request for visas to attend the Invictus Games in Vancouver, Canada.
He urged Nigerians to support the officers, men and women, who sustained various degrees of injuries while protecting the nation.
According to him, the need for accurate information at this time cannot be overemphasized.
Gusau said the Nigerian military received an invitation to participate in the Invictus Games with its team, which was comprised of three officers and 21 players, including the team’s physiotherapist.
He explained that the Invictus Games Foundation catered for the team’s accommodation and feeding needs, along with those of other participating nations.
He said, “However, in spite of our best efforts, only 14 members of the team, excluding the team leader, captain, and physiotherapist, were granted visas.
“Regrettably, seven of our athletes who had the potential to excel were denied visas, preventing them from participating in the games.
“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 the Invictus Games.
“Furthermore, the participation of the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, would have added mental strength to our troops.
“It is on record that the Chief of Defense Staff has initiated laudable efforts to boost the morale of our service personnel who risk their lives to protect our nation and its people.
“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.”
NAN
