The Federal Government has issued an urgent warning to Nigerians against engaging in illegal recruitment schemes that lure citizens into participating in foreign armed conflicts under deceptive pretenses .
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government expressed deep concern over rising cases of Nigerian citizens being recruited to fight in combat zones abroad through misleading promises .
According to the Ministry, investigations reveal that recruiters entice victims with offers of lucrative jobs, security roles, educational opportunities, and fast-tracked citizenship incentives .
“Reports indicate that some Nigerians are being lured with promises of high salaries, signing bonuses, and migration incentives, only to be deployed to combat zones under misleading circumstances,” the statement read .
The Ministry further disclosed that victims are sometimes required to sign contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal guidance. In several cases, travel documents are confiscated upon arrival at destinations, effectively trapping recruits .
Intermediaries and agents are reportedly facilitating travel arrangements under tourist or other non-military visa categories to bypass detection .
“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,” Ebienfa emphasized .
The government stressed that Nigerians who participate in foreign conflicts outside approved government frameworks do so at their own risk and will not receive official protection .
To combat the trend, the Ministry announced it is working with domestic and international partners to investigate recruitment networks and increase public awareness. Nigerian Missions abroad have been instructed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisories to citizens .
Parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions were urged to educate young Nigerians about the dangers of deceptive recruitment schemes .
Citizens are advised to verify overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and report suspicious activities to the nearest Nigerian Mission or law enforcement agency
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