FG says it won’t allow Nigerians to join Ukrainian army

This comes as over 100 Nigerians reportedly visited the Ukrainian embassy in Abuja seeking to be recruited to fight in the country’s war against the invading Russian army.

The ministry said the embassy refuted the allegation but confirmed that a number of Nigerians had indicated their willingness to fight for Ukraine in the 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,” the statement reads.

“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.”

Russian troops had on February 24, invaded Ukraine after Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, ordered a special military operation in Donbas, a separatist-held region in the country.