The Federal Government has cautioned Nigerians against being recruited to fight in foreign armed conflicts, following confirmation that two citizens were recently killed in Ukraine while fighting for Russia.
This came in a statement issued on Sunday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, expressed serious concern over what he described as a growing trend of illegal recruitment of Nigerians into foreign war, signed by his spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to reports, the two Nigerians , identified as Hamzat Kolawole and Mbah Udoka were found dead in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine, a frontline area in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine’s military intelligence authorities had disclosed that the men reportedly joined the Russian army in mid to late 2025 after signing military service contracts.
The minister warned that recent media investigations and security reports indicate that Nigerian nationals are being recruited under false pretences, including promises of lucrative jobs, security work, educational opportunities, or migration incentives.
Several victims, he noted, were allegedly misled and coerced into signing military service contracts before being deployed to combat zones.
The government further revealed that recruitment tactics often involve deceptive offers of high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and accelerated citizenship processes. In some cases, victims were reportedly compelled to sign contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal guidance, while their travel documents were allegedly confiscated upon arrival.
Authorities also pointed to the involvement of intermediaries or agents who facilitate travel arrangements under tourist or other non. military visa categories, raising concerns about organised recruitment networks.
The Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and avoid engaging with individuals or groups offering suspicious overseas employment or military-related opportunities, stressing that participation in foreign conflicts could have grave legal and security consequences.
