From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government, has warned against the recruitment of Nigerians as mercenaries to fight on the side of Ukraine in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The warning by the government is sequel to recent reports in the media that over 100 Nigerians have signified interest at the Ukrainian Embassy, Abuja, to be enlisted as volunteers to strengthen the Ukraine forces.
The Ukrainian Embassy was also reported to have told the would-be fighters to provide $1,000 for ticket and visa, even as it assured them of the same emoluments as Ukrainian soldiers.
But the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli, said the attention of the government was drawn to an alleged ongoing registration of Nigerian volunteers into the fighting force of Ukraine at the Ukrainian Embassy in Abuja.
The government also said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted the Embassy to verify the speculation and the Ukrainian Embassy refuted the allegation, but confirmed that a number of Nigerians had approached the Embassy and indicated 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 government said.
The Federal Government further said it will continue to engage with the Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria and other relevant authorities to prevent the possibility of the recruitment.