Nigeria Warns Citizens Against Recruitment Scams Luring Them to Fight in Russia's Army

Abuja. Nigeria has warned its citizens to beware of scams recruiting them to join the Russian army to fight in foreign wars. Facts have emerged showing that citizens from other African countries have also fallen victim to similar scams.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed serious concern over the "increasing and worrying incidents of illegal recruitment of Nigerian citizens to participate in foreign armed conflicts." The statement did not directly name Russia.

According to a report published by the investigative group 'All Eyes on Wagner', at least 36 Nigerian citizens were recruited into the Russian army and sent to Ukraine. Five of them died in the war.

Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "Many citizens have been sent to the war zone after being forced to sign military service contracts by being given misleading information. Those who fell victim to this fraud are in uncomfortable and dangerous situations."

According to details collected by AFP last week, some Kenyan citizens were sent to Russia with promises of high salaries. Upon reaching Russia, they were allegedly forced to sign documents in the Cyrillic language and were subsequently sent to the firing line or front lines of the war.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also discussed the safe return of South African citizens sent to fight in the Russian army with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week.

Evidence of such incidents has also been seen in Uganda, although Uganda has not yet criticized Moscow.

In November, Ukraine stated that at least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries were involved in the war on Russia's side.