The Federal Government of Nigeria has warned citizens against illegal recruitment into foreign armed conflicts, expressing concern over a rising trend of Nigerians being deceived into participating in wars abroad under false pretences.
In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said recent reports indicate that some Nigerians were lured with promises of lucrative jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives, only to find themselves deployed to combat zones.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the government was deeply concerned about the safety of citizens recruited through deceptive means.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses grave concern over the rising and alarming cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts,” the statement read.
According to the ministry, media investigations and security reports suggest that several Nigerians were allegedly recruited under false pretences and coerced into signing military service contracts.
“Recent media investigations and security reports indicate that Nigerian nationals were allegedly recruited under false pretences, including promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives,” the statement said.
Victims were reportedly misled and pressured into agreements they did not fully understand, with some deployed to combat zones after arrival. Recruitment tactics allegedly included high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and promises of 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,” the ministry said.
The government also alleged the involvement of intermediaries who facilitated travel using tourist or other non-military visa categories.
Warning Nigerians against such offers, the government stressed that participation in foreign armed conflicts outside official frameworks carries serious legal and security risks.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally warns all citizens against engaging in or accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts. Such actions not only endanger lives but may also violate Nigerian and international laws governing mercenary activities and foreign enlistment,” the ministry said.
The ministry urged parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to educate young Nigerians about the risks of deceptive recruitment schemes and advised citizens to verify overseas employment or academic opportunities through official government channels. Suspicious recruitment activities should be reported to relevant authorities.
To address the issue, the government said it was engaging domestic and international partners to investigate the matter and increase public awareness of the dangers. Nigerian missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisories.
“Nigeria remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad and reiterates its position that Nigerian nationals must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign conflicts under any circumstances,” the statement added.
Reports have alleged that some Nigerians were recruited under the guise of security jobs in Russia and later deployed to the war front with minimal or no training. Following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia reportedly sought foreign fighters, including Nigerians, to bolster its military ranks, with many reportedly killed in combat or seeking repatriation.
Andrey Podyolyshev, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, denied any official government involvement in recruitment, stating:
“There is no government-supported programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine. If there are illegal organisations or individuals trying to recruit Nigerians by unlawful means, this is not connected with the Russian state. If anybody has credible information, we are ready to send it to Russian law enforcement authorities so they can investigate those cases.”
