By Abiola Olawale
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the rising trend of illegal recruitment into foreign armed conflicts.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 15, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautioned that Nigerians are being lured by deceptive promises of lucrative employment and fast-tracked citizenship, only to be deployed as mercenaries in high-risk combat zones.
This warning follows disturbing reports and investigations revealing that several Nigerian nationals have been “coerced” or “misled” into signing military contracts in foreign languages, often without legal counsel.
According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, recruitment agents and shadowy intermediaries are targeting vulnerable youths through social media and rogue travel agencies.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses grave concern over the rising and alarming cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts.
“Recent media investigations and security reports indicate that Nigerian nationals were allegedly recruited under false pretences, including promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives,” the statement said.
It added that some victims were reportedly deployed to combat zones after being misled and pressured into agreements they did not fully understand.
The ministry said recruitment tactics reportedly included deceptive offers such as high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and fast-tracked citizenship opportunities.
“In several instances, victims are reportedly compelled to sign contracts in foreign languages without adequate legal guidance, and their travel documents are allegedly confiscated upon arrival,” it stated.
The government also alleged the involvement of intermediaries who facilitate travel arrangements using tourist or other non-military visa categories.
Warning Nigerians against such offers, the Federal Government said participation in foreign armed conflicts outside approved frameworks could have serious legal and security consequences.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally warns all citizens against engaging in or accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts.
“Such actions not only endanger lives but may also violate Nigerian and international laws governing mercenary activities and foreign enlistment,” the ministry said.
It further stressed that Nigerians who choose to participate in foreign conflicts without official government approval do so at their own risk.
To tackle the situation, the ministry disclosed that the government was engaging domestic and international partners to investigate the matter and improve public awareness about the dangers associated with illegal recruitment.
“Nigerian missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to Nigerian nationals,” the statement added.
The government also appealed to parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to sensitise young Nigerians about the risks of deceptive foreign recruitment schemes.
The ministry advised citizens to verify overseas employment or academic opportunities through official government channels and to report suspicious recruitment activities to relevant authorities.
This warning comes as reports and videos have alleged that some Nigerians and other Africans were recruited under the pretext of security jobs and other opportunities in Russia, only to be later deployed to the war front after little or no training.
Reports also indicate that, following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia allegedly turned to African nations to bolster its military ranks.
