Connect with us

News

Russian Embassy Declares Report on Conscription of Nigerian Students into War Against Ukraine Fake

Published

on

Russian Embassy Declares Report on Conscription of Nigerian Students into War Against Ukraine Fake

By: Michael Mike

Russian Embassy in Nigeria has debunked reports of forced enrollment of Nigerian students in Russia into the Russian military before their visas are renewed.

Responding to a Monday’s report by Bloomberg detailing how Russia is allegedly forcing African students to join in the fight against Ukraine before getting a renewal for their visas, a report which was culled by some Nigerian news outfit, the Russian Embassy declared the report fake.

Bloomberg had reported that Russia is allegedly sending thousands of migrants and foreign students, including Nigerians, to fight alongside its troops in the war against Ukraine in exchange for visa renewal.
Some Africans in Russia on work visas have been detained and forced to decide between deportation or fighting,” Bloomberg quoted a European official.

The Nigerian government had on Tuesday debunked the report in a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , saying it was in touch with the student body in Russia.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria, said it “has noticed with bewilderment the publication of articles on June 10 in several Nigerian media outlets. These articles, citing the dubious American news agency “Bloomberg,” which has a history of spreading anti-Russian fake news, alleged that African students, particularly those from Nigeria, are being coerced into fighting for Russia in exchange for visa extensions.

“The Embassy of the Russian Federation is compelled to emphasise that such news is not only false but also damages Russian-Nigerian educational cooperation by misleading numerous scholarship and grant applicants as well as their partners, who could be extremely concerned by such fakes.”

The Embassy stated that Nigerian students face no difficulties in extending their visas while continuing their studies in Russia.

The Embassy added that: “Numerous associations of Nigerian students in Russia have not reported any issues in obtaining the necessary documentation to continue their stay in the country.”

The Embassy however expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the association of Nigerian students in Moscow for their efforts in debunking the “fake news aimed at undermining the friendship and cooperation between Russia and Nigeria”.

Russian Embassy Declares Report on Conscription of Nigerian Students into War Against Ukraine Fake

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Nigeria, Aid Partners Seek $516m to Support 2.5 Million Vulnerable People in North-East in 2026

Published

on

Nigeria, Aid Partners Seek $516m to Support 2.5 Million Vulnerable People in North-East in 2026

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government, in collaboration with humanitarian partners, has launched an urgent appeal for US$516 million to deliver life-saving assistance to 2.5 million people affected by conflict and deprivation in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe (BAY) States in 2026.

The appeal is contained in Nigeria’s 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) and targets the most severe humanitarian cases in the conflict-affected north-east, where women and children account for nearly 80 per cent of those in critical need.

The humanitarian crisis in the BAY states has been worsened by a prolonged 16-year insurgency, widespread displacement, limited access to essential services, climate-related shocks, economic hardship, and shrinking livelihood opportunities.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, warned that humanitarian needs are escalating at a time of declining global funding. He noted that delays in closing funding gaps could have fatal consequences, especially for malnourished children.

According to projections, about 3 million Nigerian children under the age of five are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition in 2026, with one million of them living in the BAY states. In addition, nearly 35 million Nigerians may face acute food insecurity during the 2026 lean season, including 5.8 million people in the north-east.

The 2026 HNRP places strong emphasis on a transition to nationally-led humanitarian action, as international funding continues to decline globally. The plan highlights the need for closer collaboration between government institutions and humanitarian actors to sustain assistance during this transition.

In his remarks, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leading and coordinating humanitarian responses. He said government efforts would focus on aligning humanitarian action with national reforms aimed at poverty reduction, human capital development, and community resilience.

Governors of the BAY states — Professor Babagana Zulum of Borno, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa, and Mai Mala Buni of Yobe — also pledged stronger cooperation with humanitarian partners to deliver urgent aid while pursuing long-term solutions for displaced and conflict-affected populations.

Funding for the **2025 HNRP stood at $282

Nigeria, Aid Partners Seek $516m to Support 2.5 Million Vulnerable People in North-East in 2026

Continue Reading

News

Troops clear multiple settlements in Shiroro LGA, neutralize IEDs during clearance operation

Published

on

Troops clear multiple settlements in Shiroro LGA, neutralize IEDs during clearance operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army have successfully cleared multiple settlements in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, neutralizing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and sustaining pressure on insurgents in the area, a development that marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to secure the North Central region.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the clearance operation, which commenced on Jan. 20, faced challenges from difficult terrain and vehicle breakdowns, including MRAP and Armoured Fighting Vehicle faults.

Despite these setbacks, troops advanced to clear settlements including Galadima Kogo, Danpkala, Angwan Shawo, Kaure, Onagbi, Iburo, Kudogo, Kori, Kampani Kpakari, Chigwamya, Chikuba, and Nabwi.

At Nabwi, troops encountered a roadside IED followed by enemy fire, which was neutralized through superior firepower.

The sources added that Nigerian Air Force assets provided close air support throughout the operation, while unmanned aerial vehicles from the Niger State Government assisted in monitoring and reconnaissance.

Zagazola note that the operation has broader strategic implications. Shiroro LGA has served as a key operational hub for Boko Haram splinter groups, particularly JAS and ANSARU elements.

These groups, led in the Northwest and North Central zones by top lieutenants including Saddiku, Umar Taraba, Kabiru Doctor, and Mamman Kabir, have exported IED-making expertise to expand attacks into Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Kogi States. Their presence in Allawa–Madawaki and other settlements allowed them to establish clandestine cells, smuggle weapons, and enforce informal taxation on local communities.

Military sources stress that sustained clearance operations, coupled with intelligence-led surveillance and cooperation with air component, remain critical to denying freedom of action to insurgents.

The ongoing operations in Shiroro will not only restore civilian confidence but will also prevent JAS and Boko Haram splinter cells from consolidating influence in key strategic corridors linking the Northeast to the Northwest and North Central regions,” a source said.

Troops clear multiple settlements in Shiroro LGA, neutralize IEDs during clearance operation

Continue Reading

News

Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation

Published

on

Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 114 Battalion, in conjunction with Department of Intelligence and Analysis (DIA) operatives, have recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during a cordon-and-search operation in Murubai Village, Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted on Jan. 22, followed credible intelligence regarding the presence of arms in the village.

The source said the search was carried out at the residence of one Bazoe John, who was not found during the operation. Authorities recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine and four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, which are now in the custody of the troops.

The source added that the operation comes after the earlier arrest of two suspected gunrunners, identified as Christopher Adamu and James Yangyang, at Sebos Joint in Mayo Dassa, Jalingo LGA and Tautre Village in Ardo Kola LGA on Jan. 11 and 12 respectively.

Troops recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba during cordon-and-search operation

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights