Nigeria Issues Stern Warning Against Illegal Recruitment for Foreign Conflicts Amid Reports of Citizens Fighting in Ukraine

Nigerian Government Warns Citizens Against Foreign Military Recruitment

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a stern warning to its citizens, cautioning them against illegal recruitment into foreign armed conflicts. The advisory comes amidst growing concerns and confirmed reports of Nigerians being lured under false pretenses to participate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, specifically fighting for Russia.

In a statement released on Sunday, February 15, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, conveyed through his spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government's 'grave concern over the rising and alarming cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts.'

Deceptive Tactics and Confirmed Casualties

The warning follows recent media investigations and security reports detailing how Nigerian nationals are allegedly recruited through deceptive offers. These include promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives. Victims are reportedly coerced into signing military service contracts, often in foreign languages they do not understand, and their travel documents are confiscated upon arrival.

Tragically, these recruitment schemes have led to casualties. Ukraine's military intelligence confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, identified as Hamzat Kazeem Kolawole (42) and Mbah Stephen Udoka (38), in the Luhansk region while fighting for Russia. They reportedly joined the Russian army in mid to late 2025. An investigative report by 'All Eyes on Wagner' indicated that at least 36 Nigerians had been recruited by the Russian army, with five confirmed killed. Furthermore, Ukraine claimed in November that it had identified at least 1,436 people from 36 African countries fighting on behalf of Russia.

Government Stance and International Law

The Nigerian government emphasized that participation in foreign conflicts outside approved governmental frameworks not only endangers lives but may also violate Nigerian and international laws governing mercenary activities and foreign enlistment. The Ministry stated that 'Nigerians who choose to participate in foreign conflicts outside approved governmental frameworks do so at their own risk.'

In response to these developments, the government is engaging with relevant domestic and international partners to investigate the recruitment networks and enhance public awareness. Nigerian missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to citizens. The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, has denied claims of Moscow recruiting Nigerians to fight in the conflict.

Call for Caution

The Ministry urged parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to sensitize young Nigerians about the grave risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes. Citizens are strongly advised to verify all overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and to report suspicious recruitment activities to appropriate authorities. This is not the first time Nigeria has addressed such issues; in March 2022, the government had also warned against its citizens volunteering to fight for Ukraine.