FG warns against illegal recruitment of Nigerians into foreign conflicts

The Federal Government has warned against the illegal recruitment of Nigerian citizens into foreign armed conflicts.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the ministry.

The minister expressed grave concern over the rising and alarming cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts.

According to him, recent media investigations and security reports indicated that Nigerian nationals were allegedly recruited under false pretences, including promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives.

Tuggar said, “Several Nigerians who have fallen victim to such unfortunate situations were deployed to combat zones, after being misled and coerced into signing military service contracts.

“Reports suggest that recruitment tactics involve deceptive offers of high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and fast-tracked citizenship.

“In several instances, victims are reportedly compelled to sign contracts in foreign languages without adequate legal guidance, and their travel documents are allegedly confiscated upon arrival.

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“Reports also indicate the involvement of intermediaries or agents who facilitate travel arrangements under tourist or other non-military visa categories.”

This, according to him, the Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally warn all citizens against engaging in or accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts.

Also, such actions not only endanger lives but may also violate Nigerian and international laws governing mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.

“The Ministry wishes to emphasise that Nigerians who choose to participate in foreign conflicts outside approved governmental frameworks do so at their own risk.

“To address the anomaly, the government is engaging relevant domestic and international partners to investigate these developments and to enhance public awareness of the dangers of illegal recruitment.

Read Also:FG reacts to report about Russia forcing Nigerian students to join Ukraine war

“Nigerian Missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to Nigerian nationals,” he said..

He urged parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to sensitise young Nigerians about the grave risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes.

“Citizens are strongly advised to verify all overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and to report suspicious recruitment activities to appropriate authorities.

“Nigeria remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad. Nigerian nationals must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign conflicts under any circumstances,” the minister stated.

Reports and videos have alleged that some Nigerians and other Africans were recruited under the pretext of security jobs and other opportunities in Russia, only to be later deployed to the war front after little or no training.

One of the Nigerians killed in the Ukraine-Russia war, Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole. Photo credit: Ukraine Defence Intelligence

Reports also indicate that, following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia allegedly turned to African nations to bolster its military ranks.

According to Ukrainian sources, foreign fighters, including Nigerians, are reportedly deployed by Russia as cannon fodder in high-risk assault operations.

Mbah Udoka. Photo credit: Ukraine Defence Intelligence

Many Nigerians have been reported killed while fighting in a war they knew little or nothing about, while others have appealed for help and requested to be repatriated.

The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, at a press briefing last week, denied any official involvement of the government in the recruitment.

He said, “There is no government-supported programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine. If illegal organisations or individuals are trying to recruit Nigerians by unlawful means, this is not connected with the Russian state.”

He added that Russia was ready to investigate any credible information.

“If anybody has this information, we are ready to send it to Russian law enforcement authorities so they can investigate those cases,” he said.