As reports of illegal recruitment schemes have surfaced, Nigeria has issued a warning to its citizens regarding the rise in cases of Nigerian nationals being unlawfully enlisted for participation in foreign armed conflicts. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed 'serious concerns' over these growing incidents, highlighting that these attempts undermine the safety and security of their citizens. While the recent warnings came in the wake of revelations pertaining to Russia, the official statement did not specifically mention the country.

A report published by the collective 'All Eyes on Wagner' indicated that the Russian army has recruited at least 36 Nigerians to fight in the ongoing war against Ukraine, with five of them reported to have died in battle. This alarming statistic underscores the dire situation many Nigerians find themselves in, as some individuals have been reportedly deceived or coerced into signing military service contracts that lead them directly to war zones. The statement from the Nigerian Ministry further emphasizes the vulnerabilities faced by these citizens and calls for heightened awareness among the populace.

In a broader context, this warning comes amid increasing international scrutiny over foreign involvement in conflicts and recruitment practices. Recent investigations, including one by the news agency AFP, have linked incidents of Nigerian nationals tricked into joining foreign wars with similar cases involving Kenyan citizens. As nations grapple with the implications of foreign armed conflicts, Nigeria's proactive stance reflects its intent to protect its citizens from exploitation while addressing the complexities of global militarization.