FG Issues Strong Warning Over Nigerians Recruited to Fight in Foreign Wars
The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to Nigerians over rising cases of citizens being recruited to fight in foreign wars.
In a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was disturbed by reports that Nigerians are being lured abroad with false promises, only to end up on battlefields.
The government explained that many victims were promised well-paying jobs, study opportunities, or migration pathways. Instead, they allegedly found themselves forced into military service in foreign conflict zones.
The ministry’s spokesperson said the situation poses serious risks to the safety and dignity of Nigerian citizens.
“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 government, intelligence findings show that some Nigerians were recruited under false pretences. After travelling, they were allegedly pressured into signing military contracts they did not fully understand.
“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 ministry stated.
It added that some recruits were deployed to combat zones after being misled and coerced into agreements written in foreign languages.
“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 statement said.
The Federal Government warned that joining foreign armed conflicts without approval could attract serious legal consequences.
“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 added.
The government stressed that any Nigerian who participates in such conflicts without official clearance does so at personal risk.
To address the situation, authorities said Nigeria is working with local and international partners to investigate the recruitment networks. Nigerian missions abroad have also been directed to increase monitoring and provide timely guidance to citizens.
The government appealed to parents, guardians, schools, and community leaders to educate young people about the dangers of suspicious overseas offers. Nigerians were advised to verify foreign job or study opportunities through official channels and report suspicious recruiters.
Reaffirming its position, the ministry said Nigeria would not allow its citizens to be exploited under any guise.
“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 said.
Meanwhile, reports have linked some cases to the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war. Several Nigerians were allegedly recruited as security personnel but later deployed to active combat areas with little training. Some have reportedly been killed, while others have appealed for help to return home.
The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, recently denied any official involvement by his government.
He said, “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.”
However, he added that Russian authorities were open to investigating any verified claims.
