FG warns Nigerians against recruitment into foreign wars

By Sandra Chukwugekwu

The Federal Government has raised the alarm over what it described as a growing and disturbing trend of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited into foreign armed conflicts under false pretences.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government expressed “grave concern” over reports that some Nigerians were lured abroad with promises of lucrative jobs, private security contracts, educational opportunities and migration incentives, only to be deployed to military combat zones.

According to the ministry, recent media investigations and security reports indicated that Nigerian nationals were allegedly recruited under deceptive conditions and misled into signing military service contracts without proper legal guidance.

The government disclosed that recruitment tactics reportedly included offers of high monthly salaries, signing bonuses and fast-tracked foreign citizenship. In some cases, victims were said to have signed documents written in foreign languages, while their travel documents were confiscated upon arrival in destination countries.

Authorities also pointed to the alleged role of intermediaries who facilitated travel arrangements using tourist or other non-military visa categories.

The Federal Government warned that participation in foreign armed conflicts outside official state frameworks could contravene both Nigerian laws and international regulations governing mercenary activities.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally warns all citizens against engaging in or accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts,” the statement stressed, adding that those who choose to do so “do so at their own risk.”

To curb the trend, the ministry said it is collaborating with domestic and international partners to investigate the developments and intensify public awareness campaigns. Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad have also been directed to heighten consular vigilance and provide advisory support to citizens.

The government further urged parents, guardians, community leaders and educational institutions to sensitise young Nigerians to the dangers of deceptive recruitment schemes, advising citizens to verify overseas job or study offers through official channels and report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigerians at home and abroad, the ministry declared that Nigerian nationals “must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign conflicts under any circumstances.”

The statement was signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.