Russian Ambassador Denies Recruiting Nigerians to Fight in Ukraine Amid Abuja Claims of Covert Military Deployment

In a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyolyshev, firmly denied claims that the Russian government is recruiting Nigerians to fight in Ukraine.

Addressing recent reports suggesting some Nigerians were lured under the guise of security jobs and sent to the conflict zone, he made it clear that any such activities are not state-sponsored.

“There is no government-supported programme to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine,” Podyolyshev said. “If there are illegal organisations or individuals attempting to recruit Nigerians by unlawful means, this is not connected with the Russian state.”

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Russia Open to Investigating Allegations

While dismissing the reports, Podyolyshev indicated that Moscow would be willing to investigate credible evidence.

“If anybody has this information, we are ready to send it to Russian law enforcement authorities so they can investigate those cases,” he said.

The ambassador questioned the reliability of some Western media reports, including a recent CNN investigation, arguing that such outlets aim to demonise Russia.

“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 added.

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Nigerians in Ukraine but Not by Official Policy

Acknowledging that some Nigerians may be present in the conflict zone, Podyolyshev insisted there is no official recruitment programme.

“There are such Nigerians, I know, but there is no government-supported programme to recruit them,” he said. “If there are agencies, including Russian agencies, violating Russian law, we are ready to transmit this information to our law enforcement authorities.”

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Strengthening Military and Security Cooperation

Beyond the Ukraine issue, the ambassador highlighted ongoing discussions between Russia and Nigeria on defence ties, including arms supplies and military training.

“We are discussing the possibilities of supplying Russian weaponry and training military personnel in Russia, maybe here in Nigeria,” Podyolyshev explained.

“We are ready to develop cooperation with Nigeria in the military field as much as the Nigerian side wishes. This strengthens Nigeria’s ability to fight terrorism and piracy.”

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Calls for Stronger Economic Engagement

Podyolyshev also emphasized the need to revive economic cooperation, noting that the last session of the Russia–Nigeria Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation took place about a decade ago.

“We need the support of our governments if we want to realise some big projects. Without that support, it is very difficult to move forward,” he said, describing Nigeria as a strategic partner with enormous political and economic influence in West Africa and globally.

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Nigeria’s Regional Leadership

The ambassador praised Nigeria’s role in the African Union and ECOWAS, citing its peacekeeping contributions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.

“Nigeria showed readiness to take responsibility for regional stability. Within ECOWAS, Nigeria is the core of the organisation in terms of population, economy, and military potential,” Podyolyshev said.

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Education and Energy as Pillars of Cooperation

Highlighting historic ties, Podyolyshev recalled that thousands of Nigerians studied in the Soviet Union in fields such as engineering and medicine—a tradition that continues today.

“Each year, Nigerian students enter Russian universities on state quotas. Russian diplomas are highly valued in Nigeria,” he said.

On energy, he mentioned long-term nuclear projects, including an intergovernmental agreement to build a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Nigeria with plans for a research reactor and, eventually, a nuclear power plant.

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Nigeria’s Potential as a Global Power

Podyolyshev portrayed Nigeria as a rising power, with demographic strength, resources, and regional leadership positioning it to become a global centre of influence.

“Russia is interested in Nigeria’s rise, and as Nigeria’s influence grows, the scope for a global Russia–Nigeria partnership will expand,” he said, linking this vision to a broader multipolar international order free from “dictatorship and neo-colonialism.”

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What’s Next?

Moving forward, Podyolyshev signaled that Russia is willing to cooperate on investigations into alleged recruitment, while also deepening military, energy, and educational ties with Nigeria.

Observers will be watching how these diplomatic and security discussions develop, particularly amid heightened scrutiny of foreign involvement in the Ukraine conflict.

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Summary

• Russian Ambassador denies any official program recruiting Nigerians for Ukraine.

• Alleged recruitment may occur, but not state-backed; Moscow open to investigating credible reports.

• Russia and Nigeria discuss military cooperation, including training and arms supply.

• Economic engagement and education programs remain key bilateral priorities.

• Nigeria praised for regional leadership and peacekeeping contributions.

• Long-term energy projects, including nuclear technology, are in progress.

• Russia positions Nigeria as a strategic partner in a multipolar global order.