FG warns Nigerians against illegal foreign military recruitment, launches probe
The federal government has cautioned citizens against participating in illegal enlistment schemes linked to foreign armed conflicts, saying investigations are underway into reports of Nigerians being deceived and forced into combat roles abroad.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over what it described as increasing cases of Nigerians being recruited under false pretences, including promises of well-paid jobs, security work, educational opportunities, and migration incentives, only to end up in war zones.
### Background
The warning follows reports that authorities in Ukraine discovered the bodies of two Nigerians in the Luhansk region on February 12. The individuals, identified as Hamzat Kazeem Kolawole, 42, and Mbah Stephen Udoka, 38, were allegedly fighting on the side of Russia in the ongoing conflict.
A day later, a Nigerian identified as Abubakar Adamu appealed to the government for urgent repatriation, claiming he was lured to Russia with a promise of a security job but had his travel documents seized and was compelled to sign enlistment papers written entirely in Russian without interpretation.
An investigation by CNN also reported that several Africans, including citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda, were allegedly recruited with offers of civilian jobs such as drivers and security guards before being deployed to the front lines.
### “Join at your own risk”
The ministry said security reports and media investigations indicate that some Nigerians were misled into signing military contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal advice.
It warned that participation in foreign conflicts outside officially approved frameworks may breach both Nigerian and international laws governing mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.
“The Ministry wishes to emphasise that Nigerians who choose to participate in foreign conflicts outside approved governmental frameworks do so at their own risk,” the statement said.
The government added that it is working with local and international partners to uncover recruitment networks while intensifying public awareness campaigns on the dangers of such schemes.
Nigerian missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to citizens.
### Public advisory
The ministry urged parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to educate young people about the risks associated with deceptive overseas recruitment offers.
Citizens were advised to verify job or study opportunities abroad through official government channels and report suspicious activities to the relevant authorities.
The government reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigerians at home and abroad, stressing that no citizen should be exploited or trafficked into foreign conflicts under any circumstances.
