The Digest:
The Federal Government has issued a warning to Nigerians against deceptive recruitment schemes luring citizens to participate in foreign armed conflicts. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa disclosed that victims are recruited through false promises of high-paying jobs, security positions, educational opportunities, or fast-tracked migration. Recruits are allegedly coerced into signing military contracts in foreign languages, transported to conflict zones, and have their travel documents confiscated upon arrival. The government warned such actions endanger lives and may violate Nigerian and international laws on mercenary activities. Nigerian missions abroad have been instructed to strengthen consular vigilance, while domestic authorities investigate recruitment networks. Citizens are urged to verify overseas offers through official channels and report suspicious activities.
Key Points:
- The warning aims to prevent more Nigerian youth from being exploited and killed in foreign conflicts.
- It addresses growing cases of citizens lured under false pretences to fight in wars like Ukraine.
- Vulnerable job seekers gain critical awareness, while criminal recruitment networks face heightened scrutiny.
- This signals government recognition of a worsening transnational human trafficking and forced recruitment crisis.
- The timing, following recent deaths of Nigerians fighting in Ukraine, underscores urgent need for public alert.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
