Nigerian appeals alleged forced recruitment into Russian army

A Nigerian man, Abubakar Adamu, has called on the Federal Government to intervene in his case after alleging that he was misled into joining the Russian military under false pretences. Adamu claims he travelled abroad believing he had secured a civilian security job, only to discover upon arrival that he had been enlisted into the armed forces.

The development comes amid growing international scrutiny over reports that foreign nationals, including Africans, have been recruited into Russia’s military operations linked to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Alleged Job Offer Turns Into Military Enlistment

According to accounts provided by his legal representatives, Adamu travelled to Moscow in October 2025 on a tourist visa issued by the Russian Embassy in Abuja. He reportedly accepted what he believed to be an offer to work as a security guard.

However, upon arriving in Russia, Adamu alleges that his travel documents were seized and that he was presented with enlistment forms written in Russian, a language he does not understand. Without access to an interpreter or independent legal advice, he claims he was compelled to sign documents that effectively enlisted him in the Russian army.

His lawyers say Adamu later realised he had been drafted into military service. They further allege that he is currently being held at a military facility after refusing to be deployed to combat zones associated with the war in Ukraine.

The claims add to a wave of reports suggesting that some African nationals were enticed abroad with promises of civilian employment, only to be redirected into military roles. A recent investigation by CNN detailed similar allegations involving individuals from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda. The report suggested that recruits were offered jobs such as drivers or guards, but were instead placed in combat units with minimal training.

Diplomatic Denials and Rising Concerns

The controversy intensified following a statement from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, which said it had recovered the bodies of two Nigerians in the Luhansk region. Ukrainian authorities alleged that the men were fighting on Russia’s side in the conflict. The incident has further fuelled concerns over the involvement of foreign nationals in the war.

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In response to the allegations of forced recruitment, Andrey Podyelyshev, Russia’s ambassador to Nigeria, publicly dismissed claims of any state-backed recruitment drive targeting Nigerians. He reportedly distanced the Kremlin from suggestions that Africans were being systematically enlisted through deceptive means.

Despite these denials, Adamu’s case has reignited debate about the vulnerabilities faced by young Africans seeking employment opportunities abroad. Migration experts note that high unemployment rates and economic pressures at home often make overseas job offers, particularly those promising stable pay, difficult to resist.