By Muhammad Mamman
The Nigeria government has issued a strong warning to citizens against allowing themselves to be recruited to fight in foreign conflicts, including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
In a statement released on Friday, the Federal Government said it had received credible reports of Nigerians being approached by foreign agents and intermediaries with promises of lucrative payments and fast-tracked residency abroad in exchange for military service.
Authorities described the development as deeply troubling, stressing that participation in overseas wars exposes Nigerians to grave danger and could also carry serious legal consequences.
The government reminded the public that Nigeria does not sanction private citizens to engage in foreign hostilities, adding that anyone found to be involved risks prosecution under existing laws. It urged young people in particular to be wary of online advertisements and informal recruiters who exploit economic hardship to lure unsuspecting individuals.
Security agencies, the statement added, have been placed on alert to monitor and disrupt any recruitment networks operating within the country.
“The lives of our citizens must not be gambled away on conflicts that do not concern Nigeria,” the government said, calling on families and community leaders to help discourage vulnerable youths from falling prey to such schemes.
The warning comes amid growing global concern over the use of foreign fighters in the Russia–Ukraine conflict, which has drawn combatants from several countries since it began in 2022.
The advisory was first reported by Premium Times, which noted that officials are also exploring diplomatic channels to address the issue with relevant foreign authorities.
Citizens were encouraged to report any suspicious recruitment attempts to law enforcement agencies and to rely on legitimate, government-approved pathways for overseas employment or travel.
