The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against falling prey to recruitment schemes luring citizens to participate in foreign armed conflicts under the guise of lucrative job offers and migration opportunities.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government expressed concern over reports that some Nigerians were being deceived into signing up for military engagements abroad.
The ministry disclosed that recruiters were using false promises of high-paying jobs, security positions, educational opportunities and fast-tracked migration to entice unsuspecting victims.
According to the statement, some of those recruited were allegedly coerced into signing military service contracts written in foreign languages before being transported to conflict zones.
It added that in certain cases, victims’ travel documents were confiscated upon arrival, leaving them stranded and vulnerable.
“We are deeply concerned about reports that some Nigerian citizens are being misled into participating in foreign armed conflicts. Such actions endanger lives and may violate both Nigerian and international laws on mercenary activities,” the statement read.
The Federal Government cautioned citizens against accepting any offer that involves fighting in conflicts abroad outside officially approved government frameworks.
Security sources and media investigations, the ministry said, indicated that recruitment tactics often included attractive signing bonuses, promises of high monthly salaries and even incentives such as foreign citizenship.
Intermediaries were also reported to be facilitating travel using tourist or non-military visas, thereby exposing recruits to grave danger.
The government said it had directed Nigerian missions abroad to heighten consular vigilance and issue timely advisories to nationals, while relevant domestic agencies were collaborating with international partners to investigate and dismantle recruitment networks.
Ebienfa urged parents, guardians and community leaders to sensitise young Nigerians on the risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes.
“Citizens should always verify overseas employment or study offers through official channels and report suspicious activities immediately,” he said.
The ministry reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad, stressing that no Nigerian should be exploited or trafficked into foreign conflicts under any guise.
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