Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has kicked against the illegal recruitment of Nigerians by foreign countries into armed conflicts.
The warning is coming on the heels of several media reports indicating that the Russian Federation in particular is luring Africans, Nigerians inclusive, in the ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
It was learnt recently that some Nigerians including Adekunle Adaramola, a former personnel of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, Adam Anas, Akinlawon Tunde Quyuum, Abugu Stanley Onyeka and Balogun Ridwan Adisa were all lured to Moscow, and all are now dead in combat for Russia.
Following the media reports, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev, on February 10, 2026, denied reports detailing how Nigerians are being recruited to fight in the ongoing vexatious war against Ukraine.
Ambassador Podelyshev described the claims as misleading and unconnected to the Russian government at a news briefing in Abuja.
However, on Sunday, the foreign ministry expressed grave concern over the rising and alarming cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts.
In a statement by the ministry in Abuja, it noted that “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.
“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.”
While the statement did not mention any particular country, available facts point to Russia.
According to the ministry, “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.
“Reports also indicate the involvement of intermediaries or agents who facilitate travel arrangements under tourist or other non-military visa categories.”
In a sharp rebuke, it said the Nigerian government “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 wishes to emphasize 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.
“Nigerian Missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to Nigerian nationals.”
