- FG warns Nigerians against foreign war recruitment
- Victims lured with fake jobs and migration offers
- Recruits allegedly forced into military contracts
- Government orders embassies to raise vigilance
The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to Nigerians over rising cases of recruitment into foreign armed conflicts, cautioning that citizens are being deceived with false promises of lucrative jobs, education opportunities and fast-tracked migration.
The warning was issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following reports that Nigerians are being targeted through deceptive recruitment schemes linked to foreign wars.
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According to the ministry, affected individuals are often lured with offers of high-paying employment, security-related jobs or overseas study opportunities, only to be coerced into signing military service contracts upon arrival abroad.
In many cases, the contracts are reportedly written in foreign languages unfamiliar to the recruits, after which they are transported to conflict zones. Their travel documents are allegedly confiscated, leaving them trapped in dangerous situations.
The development was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We are deeply concerned about reports that some Nigerian citizens are being misled into participating in foreign armed conflicts,” the statement said.
“Such actions endanger lives and may violate both Nigerian and international laws on mercenary activities.”
The ministry warned Nigerians to reject any offer that involves fighting in conflicts abroad outside officially approved government frameworks.
“Citizens must not accept any offer that involves participation in foreign wars under any guise,” the statement added.
Security sources and media investigations have revealed that recruitment networks often use signing bonuses, promises of high monthly salaries and, in some cases, incentives of foreign citizenship to attract unsuspecting victims.
Intermediaries are said to facilitate travel using tourist or non-military visas, concealing the true nature of the engagements until recruits arrive at their destinations.
The Federal Government said it is intensifying efforts to curb the threat. Nigerian missions abroad have been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and issue timely advisories to citizens, while domestic authorities are working with international partners to dismantle recruitment networks.
Ebienfa also urged families and community leaders to play an active role in awareness efforts.
“Parents, guardians and community leaders must educate young Nigerians about the dangers of deceptive foreign recruitment schemes,” he said.“Citizens should always verify overseas job or study offers through official channels and promptly report suspicious activities.”
