The Federal Government of Nigeria is set to restrict Nigerians from volunteering to join the Ukrainian army to fight against Russia.
Recall OSUN DEFENDER had earlier reported that some Nigerians volunteered to join the Ukrainian army after the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky called on people across the world to join the fight.
The spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, while reacting to the call by the Ukrainian President said the Nigerian Government would not tolerate the recruitment.
Omayuli further stated that the Nigerian Government would engage with the Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria and other relevant authorities to prevent its citizens from joining the force.
The statement reads, “The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to an alleged ongoing registration of Nigerian volunteers into the fighting force of Ukraine at the Ukrainian Embassy in Abuja.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs contacted the Embassy to verify the speculation. The Ukrainian Embassy refuted the allegation but confirmed that several Nigerians had approached the Embassy indicating their willingness to fight on the side of Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
“Furthermore, 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.
“As a responsible member of the international community and consistent with our obligations under international law, Nigeria discourages the use of mercenaries anywhere in the world and will not tolerate the recruitment, in Nigeria, of Nigerians as mercenaries to fight in Ukraine or anywhere else in the world.
“The Federal Government will continue to engage with the Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria and other relevant authorities to prevent this possibility.”
