FG Warns Nigerians Against Joining Foreign Wars

The Federal Government of Nigeria has cautioned citizens against participating in overseas armed conflicts, stating that Nigerians who enlist outside official channels do so at their own risk.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar issued the warning in a statement released Sunday by ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, expressing concern over what he described as a growing trend of Nigerians being illegally recruited into foreign wars, including the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

According to the minister, reports indicate that some Nigerians were lured abroad under false pretences such as offers of lucrative jobs, security work, education opportunities, or migration incentives. He said victims were sometimes misled into signing military contracts, occasionally in foreign languages without proper legal guidance, after which their travel documents were allegedly confiscated.

Tuggar warned that such activities could violate both Nigerian and international laws governing mercenary involvement and foreign enlistment, stressing that participation in foreign conflicts without government approval exposes individuals to serious danger.

He disclosed that the government is working with relevant domestic and international partners to investigate the alleged recruitment networks and to raise awareness about the risks. Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad have also been directed to intensify consular monitoring and provide timely advisories to citizens.

The minister urged parents, community leaders, and educational institutions to sensitise young people about deceptive recruitment schemes, advising Nigerians to verify overseas job or study offers through official channels and report suspicious activities to authorities.

He reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of its citizens worldwide and will not tolerate exploitation or trafficking of its nationals into foreign conflicts.