Russia has firmly denied allegations regarding the recruitment of Nigerians to participate in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, made these statements during a press conference in Abuja, responding to media reports and videos that suggested some Nigerians were being enlisted under the guise of security jobs in Russia before being sent to the frontlines. The Ambassador emphasized that there is no official government program aimed at recruiting Nigerians for such purposes.

He acknowledged that while there could be illegal groups or individuals attempting to recruit Nigerians illegally, these actions do not have any connection to the Russian state. Podyolyshev also mentioned that the Russian authorities are open to investigating credible claims related to such recruitment activities. He provided a clear stance that illegal activities by non-state actors should not be misattributed to the Russian government, attempting to separate the actions of individuals from state policy.

This denial comes amidst widespread concerns over the involvement of foreign fighters in the Ukraine conflict, highlighting the complexities of geopolitics in Africa and Russia's positioning in it. The allegations could raise significant implications for Nigeria's international relations and its citizens' safety abroad, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the recruitment of foreign nationals by various parties involved in the war.