Prosper Okoye
The federal government has warned that a growing number of Nigerians are being recruited under false pretences to fight in armed conflicts abroad.
In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said some Nigerians had been promised well-paid jobs, security work, study opportunities or fast-tracked migration, only to discover they had been signed up for military service.
Many, it said, had unknowingly entered contracts written in foreign languages and without legal advice before being sent to conflict zones. On arrival, their passports were often seized and their travel had usually been arranged on tourist or other non-military visas by recruitment agents.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally warns all citizens against engaging in or accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts,” the ministry said, adding that such actions could breach Nigerian and international law.
Anyone who goes to fight abroad outside official government channels “does so at their own risk”, it added.
Crackdown On Recruitment Networks
The government said it was working with domestic agencies and international partners to identify and dismantle recruitment networks. Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad have also been told to step up monitoring and provide advice and assistance to citizens who may be at risk.
Parents, guardians, community leaders and schools were urged to warn young Nigerians about what the ministry described as “life-threatening” schemes. Those seeking work or study opportunities overseas were told to verify them through official government channels and to report any suspicious approaches.
The statement was signed by the ministry’s spokesman, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
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Reports of Nigerians Killed in Ukraine War
The warning follows media reports and Ukrainian sources, that some Nigerians have been killed while fighting on the Russian side in the war in Ukraine. Moscow has denied any official role in recruiting foreign fighters.
An investigation cited in mid-February said at least 36 Nigerians had been recruited to fight for Russia, with five confirmed deaths. Ukrainian intelligence has also released details of two Nigerians it says were killed after signing contracts with Russian units last year.
The reports have renewed concern that vulnerable young Nigerians are being drawn in by promises of high pay or overseas opportunities, only to find themselves caught up in a distant and dangerous conflict.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
