The Federal Government has issued a warning against the illegal recruitment of Nigerian citizens into foreign armed conflicts, amid ongoing global wars including the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, cautioning that Nigerians participating in foreign conflicts do so at their own risk.
According to the statement, the minister expressed grave concern over rising and alarming cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts, and listed steps being taken to address the trend.
He referenced recent media reports indicating 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,” Tuggar said.
“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,” he added.
The minister also noted that reports indicate the involvement of intermediaries or agents who facilitate travel arrangements under tourist or other non-military visa categories.
Tuggar warned Nigerians against engaging in or accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts, arguing that such actions not only endanger lives but may also violate 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,” he stated.
The minister disclosed that 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,” he said.
He urged parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to sensitise young Nigerians about the grave risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes.
“Citizens are strongly advised to verify all overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and to report suspicious recruitment activities to appropriate authorities. Nigeria remains committed to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad. Nigerian nationals must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign conflicts under any circumstances,” the minister stated.
The Russia-Ukraine War, which escalated into a large-scale conflict in 2022, has reportedly claimed millions of lives, including civilians and military personnel.
Nigeria has previously raised concerns about the exploitation of its citizens abroad, particularly through trafficking schemes that promise legitimate employment but result in forced labour or other forms of exploitation. The government’s warning comes as international reports continue to document cases of foreign nationals being recruited into armed conflicts through deceptive means.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not specify the number of Nigerians believed to have been recruited or provide details on which conflicts Nigerian nationals have been allegedly deployed to, but the timing of the warning suggests concerns about ongoing wars in Eastern Europe and other regions.
International law, including the 1989 International Convention against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries, prohibits the recruitment and use of mercenaries in armed conflicts. Nigeria is a signatory to several international instruments that criminalise mercenary activities and human trafficking.
The government’s advisory also aligns with efforts by several African countries to prevent their citizens from being drawn into foreign conflicts. Reports in recent years have indicated that citizens from various developing nations have been recruited under false pretences to serve in conflicts in different parts of the world.
The Federal Government has not announced specific penalties for individuals or organisations found to be involved in recruiting Nigerians for foreign military service, but existing Nigerian laws on human trafficking and illegal migration provide legal frameworks for prosecution.
