Foreign Affairs Ministry Issues Strong Warning on Mercenary Recruitment
The Federal Government has raised serious concerns over the growing cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the trend as alarming, citing recent media investigations and security reports which reveal that some Nigerians were allegedly lured abroad under false promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, academic opportunities, or migration benefits.
According to the Ministry, several victims were deceived and subsequently deployed to combat zones after being coerced into signing military service contracts. The recruitment tactics reportedly include promises of high monthly salaries, attractive signing bonuses, and accelerated pathways to foreign citizenship.
In some instances, affected individuals were said to have signed contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal guidance. Upon arrival in destination countries, their travel documents were allegedly confiscated, leaving them vulnerable and stranded. Authorities also noted the involvement of intermediaries who arrange travel under tourist or other non-military visa categories to facilitate the scheme.
The Federal Government unequivocally warned Nigerians against accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts, stressing that such actions not only endanger lives but may also contravene Nigerian and international laws regulating mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.
The Ministry emphasized that citizens who engage in such activities outside officially approved government frameworks do so at their own risk.
To address the situation, the Government disclosed that it is working closely with domestic and international partners to investigate the matter and intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of illegal recruitment. Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad have also been directed to enhance consular vigilance and provide timely advisories to nationals.
The Ministry further called on parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to educate young Nigerians about the risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes. Citizens were advised to verify overseas job and study opportunities through official government channels and report any suspicious recruitment activities to relevant authorities.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of Nigerians worldwide, the Government reiterated that Nigerian citizens must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign conflicts under any circumstances.
