We will not tolerate recruitment of Nigerians to join fight in Ukraine – FG says
The Federal Government has said it will not tolerate the recruitment of Nigerians as fighters in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
According to a statement signed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli, and released on Monday, March 7, the government is in talks with Ukraine to prevent Nigerians from being used as mercenaries in Ukraine.
The statement comes after Nigerians trooped to the Ukrainian Embassy in Abuja to volunteer following the Ukrainian President’s call for people around the world to join the fight.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to an alleged ongoing registration of Nigerian volunteers into the fighting force of Ukraine at the Ukrainian Embassy in Abuja.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted the Embassy to verify the speculation. The Ukrainian Embassy refuted the allegation but confirmed that a number of Nigerians had approached the Embassy indicating their willingness to fight on the side of Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
“Furthermore, the Embassy clarified that the Ukrainian government is not admitting foreign volunteer fighters and as such dissociated itself from the claim that it is requesting $1,000 from each Nigerian volunteer for air ticket and visa.
“As a responsible member of the international community and consistent with our obligations under international law, Nigeria discourages the use of mercenaries anywhere in the world and will not tolerate the recruitment, in Nigeria, of Nigerians as mercenaries to fight in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world.
“The Federal Government will continue to engage with the Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria and other relevant authorities to prevent this possibility.”