Following confirmations that two Nigerians were recently killed in Ukraine while fighting for Russia, the Federal Government on Sunday warned citizens against engaging in or accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts.
This was as it noted that media investigations and security reports indicated that Nigerian nationals were recruited under false pretences, including promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, expressed grave concern over the rising cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts.
TopSociety recalls that two Nigerians identified as Hamzat Kolawole and Mbah Udoka, were recently killed in Ukraine while fighting for the Russian army. Ukraine’s Military Intelligence disclosed that the corpses of the Nigerians were found in the Luhansk region in eastern Ukraine.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Intelligence said the Nigerians joined the Russian army in mid to late 2025, after signing a contract with the country, adding that they were found dead with their remains found in a front-line area in the Russia-Ukraine war.
In his Sunday statement, Ebienfa quoted Tuggar as saying, “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.
“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.”
There have been multiple investigations that highlighted cases of individuals allegedly lured by promises of employment, higher wages, or educational opportunities, only to find themselves later deployed to combat zones.
A CNN investigation showed young Africans from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda were lured into Russia with fake job offers and then deployed to the front lines.
Last month, The Punch published a report which also documented instances where Nigerians were lured to Russia and, upon arrival, found themselves pressured to sign military contracts without translation or legal guidance before enlisting.
There are also investigations that show cases of African girls being lured into Russia and then subjected to sexual exploitation.
Tuggar said the Nigerian government warns all citizens to be wary of being recruited to fight in foreign wars, pointing out that such actions not only endanger lives, but may be a violation of 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.
“To address the anomaly, 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,” the Foreign Affairs minister said.
