Nigeria has issued an urgent warning to its citizens after reports emerged of its nationals being recruited to fight in foreign conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.
The alert follows claims by Ukrainian officials that two Nigerians were killed in combat last year, although Nigeria has not officially confirmed these deaths.
The Foreign Ministry said several Nigerians had fallen victim to deceptive recruitment practices, often being misled or coerced into signing military service contracts.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said, “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.”
The statement warns that such offers not only endanger lives but may also breach Nigerian and international laws regulating mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.
Investigations and security reports indicate that some Nigerians were lured with promises of well-paid employment, security work, educational opportunities, or migration incentives, only to find themselves thrust into active combat.
In some cases, recruits were allegedly forced to sign contracts written in foreign languages without legal counsel, and their travel documents were confiscated upon arrival. Intermediaries reportedly used tourist or non-military visas to facilitate travel.
Kenya has issued similar warnings to its citizens, reflecting a broader concern across African countries over the illegal recruitment of nationals into conflicts abroad.
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that more than 1,400 individuals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia, even as Ukraine has faced criticism for attempting to recruit foreign nationals, including Africans, to fight on its side.
Ebienfa said the Nigerian government is working with local and international partners to investigate these cases, enhance public awareness, and strengthen consular support through its diplomatic missions abroad.
African governments are also increasingly working to repatriate nationals who were deceived into joining the conflict.
Retired Nigerian military expert Maj Bashir Galma told the BBC, “Even during the Yugoslavia issues many years ago, we had that problem and it is sad that our youth are falling into these traps and losing their lives to a war that means nothing to them.”
Last week, South Africa announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin had pledged support in returning South African nationals who traveled to Ukraine to join Russian forces, highlighting regional efforts to bring citizens back safely.
The warnings underscore the dangers of foreign recruitment schemes that exploit young Africans, putting them at risk of death, legal consequences, and long-term personal harm.
Governments across the continent are urging citizens to exercise caution and avoid offers that promise quick financial gain or overseas opportunities linked to armed conflict.
