Nigerian seeks repatriation after alleged forced recruitment into Russian military

By: Zagazola Makama

A Nigerian citizen, Abubakar Adamu, has appealed to the Nigerian government for urgent repatriation after claiming he was lured to Russia under the pretext of civilian employment and coerced into military service.

Adamu’s legal representatives stated that he traveled to Moscow on a tourist visa issued by the Russian Embassy in Abuja, under the promise of employment as a civilian security guard. However, upon arrival, his travel documents were reportedly confiscated, and he was compelled to sign enlistment papers written entirely in Russian, without the assistance of an interpreter. He later discovered that the documents enrolled him into the Russian Armed Forces.

A formal notice submitted to Nigerian authorities cited several legal positions, including the doctrine of Non Est Factum, which argues that Adamu did not understand the nature of the contract he signed, and fundamental misrepresentation, alleging that he was deceived into military service. His lawyers also highlighted potential violations of international law, including forced military conscription and deprivation of personal freedom.

According to the brief, Adamu remains stranded at a Russian military camp, refusing deployment to combat zones in Ukraine. He is reportedly seeking immediate intervention from the Nigerian government to facilitate his safe return and reunite him with his family.

The allegations come amid broader reports of African nationals being conscripted into the Russian military. A CNN investigation reported that Nigerians, along with citizens from Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and other countries, were allegedly recruited under promises of high salaries, signing bonuses, and eventual Russian citizenship.

Upon arrival, many were forced into military service, provided minimal training, and in some cases deployed to combat zones against their will. Reports further indicate racial abuse, inhumane treatment, and coercion.Reports indicate that this is part of a growing pattern in which African nationals are being lured to the frontlines to sustain Russia’s war efforts.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, disclosed last year that more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries are reportedly fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with many being held in Ukrainian camps as prisoners of war. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has similarly reported that over 200 of its nationals may be in Ukraine, having been deceived by online recruitment networks advertising fake jobs.

The human cost of the recruitment drive remains largely unknown. It is unclear how many Nigerians have died while fighting for Russian forces, and Russia has not formally responded to reports of Nigerian casualties.

But speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, denied that the recruitment was state-sponsored. “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 said. Podyelyshev added that Russia would investigate any reported cases if provided with concrete evidence.

Zagazola warned that the case draws attention to the serious risks to Nigerian citizens traveling abroad for employment. Their is a need for stronger government oversight, diplomatic intervention, and public awareness to prevent exploitation and ensure the safety of nationals in foreign jurisdictions.

Adamu’s legal team has formally demanded that Russian authorities immediately cease his military deployment, return his confiscated travel documents, and facilitate his repatriation to Nigeria.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to comment on Adamu’s appeal, leaving families and civil society groups calling for immediate diplomatic action and repatriation of their citizens caught in what is described as a transnational human rights and labor exploitation crisis.

This incident calls for urgent examination about the protection of Nigerian citizens abroad, the oversight of foreign employment schemes, and the responsibilities of international partners to safeguard human rights. Without decisive government intervention, more Nigerians may fall victim to similar coercive recruitment tactics, potentially placing them in life-threatening situations far from home without any help

Nigerian seeks repatriation after alleged forced recruitment into Russian military

Nigeria, China Mark 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations at 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria and China have reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic and strategic partnership as both countries marked the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations during the 2026 “Happy Chinese New Year” Temple Fair in Abuja.

The celebration, held at the Chinese Cultural Centre at the weekend, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders, cultural organisations and members of the Chinese and Nigerian communities. The event also coincided with the celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, symbolising strength, resilience and progress.

China’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nigeria, Zhou Hongyou, said the Spring Festival had grown beyond a traditional celebration to become a global cultural event promoting peace, harmony and mutual understanding among nations. He noted that the festival’s inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list had further strengthened its global significance.

Zhou described the temple fair as a practical expression of China’s commitment to cultural dialogue and people-to-people engagement, adding that cultural exchanges remain a key pillar of China–Nigeria relations. He highlighted the steady growth of bilateral cooperation in areas such as trade, infrastructure, education, science, tourism and cultural exchange.

Reflecting on the history of bilateral ties, Zhou recalled that Nigeria and China established diplomatic relations in 1971 and have since developed a partnership founded on mutual respect, equality and shared development. He noted that the relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, opening a new chapter of deeper cooperation between both countries.

Also speaking, the Director-General and Global Liaison of the Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the One-China Principle, describing it as central to the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations.

Tegbe said Nigeria’s partnership with China has delivered tangible benefits, particularly in infrastructure development, industrial growth and human capacity building. He acknowledged China’s contributions to key projects such as rail infrastructure and port development, which he said continue to support Nigeria’s economic transformation.

He disclosed that Nigeria is advancing new cooperative initiatives in agriculture, steel production and education, including a large-scale poultry programme designed to boost food security, create jobs and support local farmers. He also expressed optimism about renewed efforts to revitalise the Ajaokuta Steel Complex in collaboration with Chinese partners.

According to Tegbe, both countries are committed to strengthening educational and knowledge exchanges through scholarships, joint research and the development of industrial parks that will promote technology transfer and skills development.

The speakers noted that 2026 has been designated the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, providing an opportunity to deepen cultural understanding and expand cooperation beyond government-to-government engagement.

The event featured martial arts displays by the Chinese Wushu Association, cultural performances by Nigerian and Chinese artistes, exhibitions on Chinese culture and tourism, and interactive activities aimed at promoting friendship between the two peoples.

Nigeria, China Mark 55 Years of Diplomatic Relations at 2026 Chinese New Year Temple Fair

Russia Declares End of Nuclear Weapons Reduction Deal With US

By: Michael Mike

The Russian Federation has formally marked the expiration of the Russia–United States New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), stating that both countries are no longer bound by its obligations following the agreement’s termination on February 5, 2026.

In a statement issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow recalled that the treaty—signed in 2010, enforced in 2011, and extended once in 2021—had played a significant role in curbing the strategic arms race and ensuring predictability in nuclear relations between the two powers.

Russia noted that it suspended its participation in New START in February 2023, citing what it described as persistent violations and hostile actions by the United States that undermined the treaty’s core principles.

According to the statement, Washington’s military policies, particularly in the area of missile defense, disrupted the strategic balance envisioned by the agreement and constituted a material breach that made full implementation impossible.

Despite these concerns, Moscow acknowledged that the treaty had largely fulfilled its purpose over the years by enabling substantial reductions in strategic offensive arms and reinforcing strategic stability.

Russian said even after suspending its participation, it voluntarily continued to observe the treaty’s central numerical limits until its expiration, a move the United States also pledged to follow.

The statement further disclosed that in September 2025, President Vladimir Putin proposed extending voluntary limits on strategic weapons for at least one year beyond the treaty’s end. However, Russian authorities said the initiative received no formal response from Washington, which they described as regrettable and short-sighted.

With the treaty now expired, Russia stated that no binding commitments or reciprocal declarations remain in force.

Moscow emphasized that it would shape its future strategic arms policy based on an assessment of U.S. military posture and broader global security developments.

While warning that it is prepared to take military-technical measures to protect national security if new threats emerge, Russia reiterated its readiness to pursue diplomatic engagement aimed at stabilizing the strategic environment—provided conditions for equal and mutually beneficial dialogue are established.

Russia Declares End of Nuclear Weapons Reduction Deal With US