Russia has denied any government-backed programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in the war in Ukraine, stating that any such activity is not connected with the Russian state.
The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, made the denial on Tuesday in Abuja in response to reports and videos alleging that some Nigerians were recruited under the pretext of security jobs and later deployed to the frontlines.
“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,” Podyolyshev stated.
He said Moscow is 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.
The ambassador questioned reports by Western media, including a recent CNN investigation, alleging that 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,” he said.
While acknowledging that some Nigerians may be in the conflict zone, he insisted there is no official Russian policy behind it.
On security cooperation, Podyolyshev said Russia and Nigeria are 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, noting that the last session of the Russia–Nigeria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held about ten years ago.
He described Nigeria as a strategic partner and a potential global centre of influence in a multipolar world, praising its leadership role in West Africa and within the African Union.
On bilateral relations, he highlighted ongoing cooperation in education and energy, including an intergovernmental agreement to build a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Nigeria.
Podyolyshev concluded by linking Russia’s foreign policy to a broader push for a multipolar international order, stating that the goal is “an international order free from dictatorship and neo-colonialism.”
