The Federal Government has stated its opposition to the recruitment of Nigerians as mercenaries to fight in Ukraine or elsewhere in the world.
This is as the Ukrainian government denied admitting foreign volunteer fighters in its bid to contain Russia’s onslaught.
Besides, the Ukraine also denied requesting for $1000 from Nigerians volunteers for air tickets and visas.
Mrs. Francisca K. Omayuli, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated in a statement, “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 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.”
The Ukrainian Embassy, however, denied the allegation while confirming that a number of Nigerians had approached the embassy expressing their willingness to fight on Ukraine’s side in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
The embassy, according to the Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, clarified that the Ukrainian government is not admitting foreign volunteer fighters.