Russia speaks on recruiting Nigerians to fight in Ukraine

 

The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, has dismissed reports that Nigerians are being conscripted to fight in Ukraine, insisting that there is no government‑supported programme to recruit Nigerians for the war.

The clarification was made on Tuesday, during a press briefing in Abuja where the ambassador also outlined ongoing and planned military and economic cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.

Replying to questions from journalists, Ambassador Podyelyshev said: “If some illegal people are trying to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine, this is not connected with the Russian state. If anybody has information, we are ready to send it to Russian law enforcement authorities for investigation.”

He highlighted existing agreements on military‑technical cooperation, including discussions on the training of Nigerian military personnel and possible supply of Russian equipment, adding that “some projects have already started, some are under consideration. We are ready to develop cooperation as much as the Nigerian side wishes.”

The ambassador stressed that Nigeria remains a key partner for Russia in Africa, saying: “Cooperation with Nigeria largely shapes our prospects in West Africa. Nigeria is a potential anchor of regional stability and development.”

On broader global issues, Ambassador Podyelyshev reiterated Russia’s vision of a multipolar world order, respect for sovereignty and civilisational diversity, and opposition to unilateral domination.

He said Russia also supports African solutions to African problems and rejects external coercion in other states’ internal affairs.

The briefing also touched on economic and educational ties between the two countries, including plans for a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Nigeria and expanded scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students in Russian universities.

Ambassador Podyelyshev noted that Russia and Nigeria are committed to long‑term strategic cooperation, encompassing security, trade, and shared diplomatic goals on the international stage.