Russia denies recruitment of Nigerians for Ukraine war

Russia has denied any government-backed programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in the war in Ukraine, insisting that any such activity, if it exists, is not connected with the Russian state.

The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja while responding to reports that Nigerians had been recruited to fight on the frontlines.

Reports and videos have alleged that some Nigerians and other Africans were recruited under the pretext of security jobs in Russia and later deployed to the war front after brief training.

Denying any official involvement in this, Podyolyshev said, “There is no government-supported programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine. If there are illegal organisations or individuals trying to recruit Nigerians by unlawful means, this is not connected with the Russian state.”

He said Moscow was ready to investigate any credible information.

“If anybody has this information, we are ready to send it to Russian law enforcement authorities so they can investigate those cases,” he added.

Podyolyshev also questioned reports by Western media, including a recent CNN investigation, which alleged that some Nigerians were deceived into joining the conflict.

“You are receiving information from Western sources. Their main task is to demonise Russia. If you want to know the real situation, you should send journalists to Russia to understand what is really happening,” the Ambassador said.

While acknowledging that some Nigerians may be in the conflict zone, he maintained there was no official Russian policy behind it.

“There are such Nigerians, I know, but there is no government-supported programme to recruit them. If there are agencies, including Russian agencies, violating Russian law, we are ready to transmit this information to our law enforcement authorities,” he said.

On Security and military cooperation, he said Russia and Nigeria were discussing closer defence ties, including arms supplies and training.

“We are discussing the possibilities of supplying Russian weaponry and training military personnel in Russia, maybe here in Nigeria. We are ready to develop cooperation with Nigeria in the military field to the extent the Nigerian side wishes.

“This strengthens Nigeria’s ability to fight terrorism and piracy,” he said.

The ambassador also called for stronger economic engagement between both countries, noting that the last session of the Russia–Nigeria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held about 10 years ago.

“We need the support of our governments if we want to realise some big projects. Without that support, it is very difficult to move forward,” he added.

Podyolyshev also outlined Moscow’s broader foreign-policy view of Nigeria, describing the country as a strategic partner and a potential global centre of influence in a multipolar world.

“When we speak about Africa, we must speak about Nigeria. Nigeria is one of the key states on the continent and the leading link in West Africa. It has major political and economic weight in Africa and globally.

“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and one of the continent’s largest economies. It is a major OPEC member and a key regional energy player,” he said.

On politics and security, he praised Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent.

“Politically, Nigeria is a regional leader, playing a pivotal role in security in West Africa and making a significant contribution to the work of the African Union,” he said.

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“For Russia, Nigeria is a partner of strategic importance. Cooperation with Nigeria largely shapes our prospects in West Africa,” he added.

Podyolyshev also highlighted Nigeria’s influence within ECOWAS and the African Union, recalling its peacekeeping roles in Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

“Nigeria showed readiness to take responsibility for regional stability. Within ECOWAS, Nigeria is the core of the organisation in terms of population, economy and military potential,” he said.

On bilateral relations, he said Russia–Nigeria ties, which date back to Soviet times, were entering a new phase.

“On November 25, 2025, we marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Today, bilateral cooperation is entering a new phase, driven by our mutual wish to diversify international ties,” he said.

Education, he added, remains a key pillar of the relationship.

“Thousands of Nigerians studied in the Soviet Union in engineering, medicine and other fields, and this continues today. Each year, Nigerian students enter Russian universities on state quotas. Russian diplomas are highly valued in Nigeria,” Podyolyshev said.

In the energy sector, he disclosed that both countries were working on long-term projects, including nuclear cooperation.

“An intergovernmental agreement has been signed on building a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Nigeria with a research reactor and, in the longer term, a nuclear power plant,” he said.

Looking ahead, Podyolyshev described Nigeria as a future global power.

“Demography, resources and regional leadership give Nigeria a real chance to become one of the global centres of power in the multipolar world.

“Russia is interested in Nigeria’s rise, and as Nigeria’s influence grows, the scope for a global Russia–Nigeria partnership will expand,” he said.

Speaking further, he linked Russia’s foreign-policy vision to a broader push for a multipolar international order.

Stating that the essence of multipolarity is to ensure development without domination.

Adding that, “An international order free from dictatorship and neo-colonialism creates vconditions for stability, development and security for all.”