FG raises alarm over recruitment of Nigerians as mercenaries abroad

The Federal Government of Nigeria has raised the alarm over the alleged recruitment of Nigerians as mercenaries for foreign armed conflicts, warning that those involved risk violating local and international laws.

The government said it had received reports indicating that some Nigerians were being deceptively recruited and transported to conflict zones under the guise of legitimate employment, education, or migration opportunities.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, disclosed that recruiters were allegedly enticing citizens with promises of attractive salaries, signing bonuses and fast-tracked citizenship.

According to the ministry, victims are sometimes required to sign contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal advice, while in certain instances their travel documents are confiscated upon arrival in the destination country.

It further revealed that some intermediaries facilitate travel arrangements using tourist or other non-military visa categories to disguise the true purpose of the trip.

“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 endanger lives and may violate Nigerian and international laws governing mercenary activities and foreign enlistment,” the statement read.

The government stressed that any Nigerian who participates in foreign conflicts outside officially approved frameworks would be doing so at his or her own risk.

To address the development, the ministry said it was working with both domestic and international partners to investigate the reports and curb the activities of those behind the recruitment schemes.

The Federal Government urged parents, guardians, community leaders and educational institutions to sensitise young Nigerians to the dangers of deceptive foreign recruitment offers and advised citizens to verify overseas opportunities through official government channels.