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The Federal Government has expressed serious concern over the rising cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts, warning that such activities pose grave risks to lives and violate both national and international laws.

This was made known in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who disclosed that the recent media investigations and security reports revealed that several Nigerians were allegedly recruited under false pretences, including promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives.

Many of the victims were reportedly deployed to active combat zones after being misled or coerced into signing military service contracts.

“Recruitment tactics often involve deceptive offers of high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and fast-tracked citizenship,” the Ministry noted.

In some cases, victims were compelled to sign contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal guidance, while their travel documents were allegedly confiscated upon arrival. Reports also indicate the involvement of intermediaries who facilitate travel under tourist or other non-military visa categories.

The Nigerian government unequivocally warned citizens against accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts, stressing that such actions endanger lives and may contravene laws regulating mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.

“Individuals who engage in such activities outside approved governmental frameworks do so at their own risk,” the Ministry emphasised.

To curb the trend, the government is working with relevant domestic and international partners to investigate developments and intensify public awareness of the dangers of illegal recruitment.

Nigerian missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to citizens.

The Ministry further called on parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to educate young Nigerians about the risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes. Citizens were advised to verify all overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad, reiterating that citizens must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign armed conflicts under any circumstances.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sympathised with traders and residents of Kano following a devastating fire outbreak at Singer Market, ordering a comprehensive investigation into the recurring incidents.

The fire, which reportedly started on Saturday evening and raged into Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the popular food market, destroying goods and leaving many traders counting their losses.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as tragic and expressed deep concern over the impact on livelihoods.

President Tinubu said he had reached out to Abba Kabir Yusuf to obtain a firsthand-situation report on the disaster.

“This tragic incident is deeply concerning, especially coming less than two weeks after another fire outbreak at the same market. My thoughts are with the affected traders and their families,” the President was quoted as saying.

He directed relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the causes of the repeated fires, stressing that urgent measures must be taken to prevent future occurrences.

“The recurring market fires that leave our hardworking traders in despair must be addressed decisively. I have ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes and recommend lasting solutions,” Tinubu stated.

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Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of procuring a highly toxic chemical compound, thallium sulphate, allegedly capable of being used for assassinations.

In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, El-Rufai claimed that information available to opposition political leaders suggested that the office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, had imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.

The former governor said he had formally written to the ONSA seeking urgent clarification over the alleged transaction, describing the matter as one of grave public concern.