Nigeria Warns Against Enlisting Abroad After Reports of Deaths in Ukraine
Nigeria’s foreign ministry has issued a critical warning regarding the rising illegal recruitment of its citizens to fight in foreign conflicts. This alert follows reports from Ukrainian officials who discovered the bodies of two Nigerians allegedly killed in combat last year. While Nigeria has not confirmed these deaths, foreign ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa highlighted the distressing situation in a recent statement.
The Dangers of Foreign Recruitment
– Misleading Offers: Several Nigerians have fallen victim to recruitment schemes that promised lucrative employment, security work, educational opportunities, or migration incentives. Instead, they found themselves thrust into active war zones.
– Coercion and Manipulation: Victims were often coerced into signing military service contracts, sometimes without understanding the terms, as many contracts were in foreign languages. Additionally, upon arrival, their travel documents were frequently confiscated.
– Irregular Travel Arrangements: Intermediaries often facilitated travel using tourist or non-military visas, further complicating the situation for those involved.
Ebienfa cautioned Nigerians against accepting such offers, stressing that they not only jeopardize lives but also risk violating both Nigerian and international laws regarding mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.
Collaborative Efforts for Awareness and Support
The Nigerian government is actively collaborating with local and international partners to investigate these alarming cases while enhancing public awareness. Diplomatic missions abroad have been instructed to bolster consular support and issue advisories to citizens regarding the risks involved in enlisting abroad.
Rising Global Concern
Ukrainian intelligence estimates indicate that over 1,400 individuals from 36 African countries have been recruited to fight for Russia. Interestingly, Ukraine has faced criticism for its own recruitment efforts, targeting foreign nationals, including Africans, to support their military objectives. As a result, various African nations are increasingly warning their citizens and taking steps to repatriate those who have been misled into joining the conflict.
Last week, South Africa announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged assistance in the repatriation of South African nationals who traveled to Ukraine to join Russian forces.
Expert Commentary
Retired Nigerian military expert Maj Bashir Galma commented on the situation, noting that the recruitment of Nigerians and other Africans into foreign conflicts is not a new phenomenon. Even during the Yugoslav conflicts many years ago, we faced similar issues. It’s disheartening to see our youth falling into these traps and losing their lives to wars that hold no significance for them, he stated.
The Nigerian government’s warning against enlisting abroad serves as an urgent reminder of the risks associated with seeking opportunities in conflict zones. Citizens are encouraged to prioritize their safety and remain vigilant against any schemes that could put their lives in jeopardy.