FG warns Nigerians against recruitment into foreign conflicts
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Federal Government has raised the alarm over rising cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts.
In a press statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Sunday, the government said it was gravely concerned about the trend, adding that recent media investigations and security reports showed that Nigerians were allegedly recruited under false pretences.
The ministry said victims were reportedly lured with promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives, only to end up deployed to combat zones after being misled and coerced into signing military service contracts.
It also disclosed that reports suggested recruiters used deceptive offers of high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and fast tracked citizenship to trap unsuspecting Nigerians.
The government further stated that in several cases, victims were compelled to sign contracts written in foreign languages without adequate legal guidance, while their travel documents were allegedly confiscated upon arrival.
The ministry added that reports also pointed to the involvement of intermediaries or agents who facilitate travel arrangements under tourist or other non military visa categories.
It warned that such actions not only endanger lives but may also violate Nigerian and international laws governing mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.
The statement read: “Reports suggest that recruitment tactics involve deceptive offers of high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and fast tracked citizenship. 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. Reports also indicate the involvement of intermediaries or agents who facilitate travel arrangements under tourist or other non military visa categories.
“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 wishes to emphasize that Nigerians who choose to participate in foreign conflicts outside approved governmental frameworks do so at their own risk.
“To address the anomaly, the Government is engaging relevant domestic and international partners to investigate these developments and to enhance public awareness of the dangers of illegal recruitment. Nigerian Missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to Nigerian nationals.
“The Ministry urges parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to sensitize young Nigerians about the grave risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes. Citizens are strongly advised to verify all overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and to report suspicious recruitment activities to appropriate authorities.”
It added that Nigerian Missions abroad had been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to Nigerian nationals.
The ministry urged parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to sensitize young Nigerians about the risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes.
It also advised Nigerians to verify overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and report suspicious recruitment activities to appropriate authorities.
