FG warns Nigerians against illegal recruitment into foreign armed conflicts

 The Federal Government has issued a stark warning to Nigerians, urging them to steer clear of any illegal recruitment schemes that lure citizens into participating in foreign armed conflicts.

The alert, released through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlights a disturbing rise in cases where Nigerians are being tricked into joining wars abroad, often under the guise of attractive job opportunities or other incentives. The statement comes amid growing reports of citizens ending up in combat zones, including recent incidents linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In a statement signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry expressed deep alarm over the trend. “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,” it read. Investigations suggest that recruiters frequently promise high-paying jobs in security, civilian roles, education, or even migration pathways, only for victims to find themselves deployed to active war fronts.

Many of these schemes reportedly involve offers of substantial salaries, signing bonuses, and accelerated citizenship processes. In some instances, individuals are asked to sign contracts in unfamiliar languages without adequate legal advice or translation, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.

The Federal Government delivered a clear and unequivocal message: “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.”

Officials emphasized that these activities pose severe risks to personal safety and could lead to legal consequences under both domestic legislation and global conventions prohibiting mercenary involvement. The government stressed that no official or sanctioned programs exist to facilitate such enlistments, and any legitimate overseas opportunities should be verified through proper channels.

This warning arrives against the backdrop of specific cases that have drawn public attention. Recent reports from Ukrainian intelligence detailed the deaths of two Nigerian men—Hamzat Kazeen Kolawole and Mbah Stephen Udoka—while serving in Russian forces. According to accounts, the pair signed contracts in late 2025, received minimal or no military training, and were killed during operations in the Luhansk region. Kolawole reportedly leaves behind a wife and three children.

Other Nigerians have come forward with claims of being deceived into Russian military service after traveling under the pretext of civilian employment. One individual, Abubakar Adamu, has appealed for government assistance in repatriation, arguing he was coerced after signing misleading documents. These incidents have fueled concerns about deceptive recruitment targeting Africans, including Nigerians, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, has repeatedly denied any state involvement, insisting there is “no government-backed programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine.” He described any such efforts as illegal and unconnected to Moscow, suggesting they would fall under Russian law enforcement scrutiny if proven.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens abroad and called on the public to exercise extreme caution. Nigerians considering overseas opportunities are advised to verify offers through official government portals, embassies, or trusted agencies, and to avoid deals that seem too good to be true or involve unclear terms.

This development underscores broader challenges faced by many developing nations, where economic hardships drive citizens to seek opportunities abroad, only for some to fall prey to exploitative networks. Security experts note that such recruitment often preys on desperation, using social media, informal agents, and false promises to target vulnerable groups.

As the government ramps up awareness efforts, the message is straightforward: stay vigilant, seek verified information, and prioritize safety over risky ventures. The plea is for citizens to report suspicious recruitment attempts to relevant authorities, helping to curb what officials describe as a dangerous and unlawful practice that threatens both individual lives and national interests.

With these warnings, the Federal Government aims to prevent further tragedies and ensure Nigerians are not unwittingly drawn into foreign wars that offer no real path to prosperity or security.