Nigerian authorities have sounded the alarm over renewed cases of citizens being lured into armed conflicts abroad through deceptive recruitment schemes.
In a statement, the Federal Government expressed serious concern about networks targeting young Nigerians with promises of lucrative jobs, security work, study opportunities, or assisted migration, only for them to be deployed to war zones, including Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited media investigations and security findings indicating that some recruits were compelled to sign military contracts in foreign languages without proper legal guidance, while their travel documents were allegedly seized upon arrival.
The warning aligns with a February 2026 report by the organization INPACT, which documented the recruitment of more than a thousand Africans since 2023 to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.
According to the report, recruiters often entice candidates with offers of high pay, fast-tracked citizenship, or elite military training before sending them directly to combat areas, where many have reportedly lost their lives.
Nigerian officials stressed that participation in foreign conflicts outside authorized frameworks violates both domestic and international laws on mercenary activity.
Authorities say they are collaborating with partners to dismantle recruitment networks, enhance public awareness, and strengthen consular monitoring, urging citizens to remain vigilant against suspicious offers, particularly those circulating on social media.
