Russia’s ambassador to Nigeria on Tuesday denied allegations that Moscow is recruiting or conscripting Nigerians to fight in the war in Ukraine.
Ambassador Andrey Podyelyshev spoke at a news conference at the Russian Embassy in Abuja following a CNN investigation that alleged Africans from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Uganda were lured to Russia with promises of civilian jobs.
According to the report, the recruits were offered signing bonuses of up to $13,000, monthly salaries as high as $3,500 and the prospect of Russian citizenship after completing service. The investigation alleged that upon arrival, some were compelled to join the military, given little or no training and deployed to active combat zones.
The report also cited claims that some individuals were forced to sign military contracts written in Russian without translation or legal counsel and that their passports were confiscated, preventing them from leaving the country. It further detailed allegations of racial abuse and inhumane treatment.
Similar claims have surfaced previously, raising concerns about the recruitment of foreign nationals into the conflict.
Podyelyshev said there was no state-sponsored program to recruit Nigerians for military service.
“I do not have any confirmation from Russia regarding this,” he said. “There is no government-backed programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine. If illegal organisations or individuals are involved in such activities, they are acting outside the law and without any connection to the Russian state.”
He added that Russia is prepared to investigate any reported cases if concrete evidence is provided.
