By Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Federal government says it will not tolerate the recruitment of Nigerians as mercenaries to fight in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world
A statement signed by the spokesperson,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Francisca Omayuli, said as a responsible member of the international community and consistent with the obligations under international law, Nigeria discourages the use of mercenaries anywhere in the world and as such will not allow the recruitment in Nigeria or of her citizens.
The statement followed an alleged ongoing registration of Nigerian volunteers into the fighting force of Ukraine at the Ukrainian Embassy in Abuja.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had contacted the Embassy to verify the speculation and the Ukrainian Embassy refuted the allegation, but confirmed that a number of Nigerians had approached them indicating willingness to fight on the side of Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
It further said, the Embassy clarified that the Ukrainian government is not admitting foreign volunteer fighters and as such dissociated itself from the claim that it is requesting $1,000 from each Nigerian volunteer for air ticket and visa.
The Federal Government also pledged that it will continue to engage with the Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria and other relevant authorities to prevent the possibility of Nigerians being recruited as mercenaries.